A Fresh Start to a New Year

Check in with yourself and start your New Year refreshedIt's hard to believe it was 1964 that the UK rock band 'The Who' was formed by lead guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend.Having written twenty-seven top 40 singles, he combined the talents of friends as band members and the mesmerizing voice of lead singer Roger Daltry to see 'The Who' admitted into Rock & Roll's Hall of Fame in 2001.Highly honoured for their musical creativity at concerts and performances, 'The Who' have kept their music endearing to their fan base for over four and a half decades and sold 100 million albums/cd's during their journey.You might even be among the tens of millions of people around the world who watch CSI: Crime Scene Investigation each week. CSI show producer Jerry Bruckheimer has used the iconic song 'Whoooo Are You' in every one of the opening show credits since the first episode aired on the 6th October 2000.The title and lyrics of this song do ask a profound question 'Whooooo Are You' and I would like you to further investigate how you arrived at being 'YOU'?6 tips for you to have a better year1. Reflect - Review - RenewWhat have you achieved personally and professionally that you are most proud of? Who has inspired you as a role model or mentor along your journey in life or business? Where have you travelled to that is beyond your neighborhood or city that has offered you a different perspective on other cultures or history and broadened your horizons?2. Manage change and adaptionPsychologists suggest that significant change in one of the following areas will cause undue stress to a person. Three or more issues at any one time can lead to depression and/or anxiety issues.*Death of a family member, close friend or beloved pet *moving home or city location *job loss or career change *a serious health or medical issue involving a relative, friend or self. *a personal relationship change like separation, divorce or new marriage.3. What professional skills have you learnt?A long-time colleague is an excellent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and recently completed an indepth Company Directors' Program. She has considerably upgraded her professional qualifications enabling her to consult to private and public company boards. As a result of this upgrade she is getting new work from clients who need her new skill set and who can therefore justify her higher professional fees.4. Limit your time contributionsThe constant yet limited resource at our disposal is time. Factually, if we take 24 hours in a day and multiply that by 365 days/nights in a year, you will have 8760 hours to use. A 1% use is 88 hours or about two 40 hour work weeks for most employed people. Be very wise in using or giving away your most valuable commodity and asset to social groups, charities or community groups.5. Balance health, family, friends and workEasier said than done you say? Consider outsourcing some of the things on your "to do" list to gain more time and personal space to improve your health and close relationships.6. What do you want to enjoy and celebrate one year from today?