I started my 2024 with the end in mind.
“What would I like to be saying that 2024 brought me more of?” was the question I reflected on during New Year’s Day.
My response was “I spent more time outdoors and by the coast.”
It’s the place I recharge and I notice a massive difference when it doesn’t happen. Last year I didn’t prioritise it and I let other less important things get in the way.
With the recent storms we’ve had many would say that booking a weekend break in Wales for the first weekend in January was madness.
As I packed my bag listening to the blowing gale winds and lashing rain I was thinking the same!
And then something extraordinary happened…
As I arrived on the Welsh Coast on the Friday afternoon and drove onto the Llyn peninsula the sun came out and it stayed out consistently for two days. Just look at the photos!
I can’t even begin to tell you how blissful sitting on the beach for a few hours feeling warm sunshine on my face in January actually was. The recharge button was well and truly pressed.
It would have been really easy not to go. To talk myself out of it. Instead, I focused on the rewards that I knew it would bring me, regardless of the weather. (And the next trip to the coast is already booked!)
“Begin with the end in mind” is one of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People that Stephen Covey’s famous bestseller book defines.
In its simplest form, it’s about starting things off with a clear idea of what you hope for and setting intentions that are framed in a positive state as if they have already happened.
It helps our brains keep a lookout for relevant information and helps us focus on what we want rather than on what we don’t.
It’s a practice I use every day whether I am coaching and facilitating, attending a meeting or off out for dinner with friends and like my gratitude practice, it has enriched my life.
It can also be an effective way of helping us feel more in control on a daily basis when we are in situations that are difficult or challenging. When supporting my Dad through his cancer treatment some years ago I used the practice to help me choose my mindset when we would go to meetings with the oncologist when I had no control over anything else.
So I’d like to ask you to fast forward yourself to the end of 2024 and picture what it looks like for you. And if you would like to explore your own “begin with the end in mind” and make 2024 a year that helps you focus on what you want for yourself then please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.
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