Finding the Hidden Gold

I love podcasts. I learn so much from listening to the stories and lessons that others offer through a terrific exchange of ideas.

Yesterday I listened to Tim Ferris’s interview with Jim Loehr, who has coached some of the top leaders in the world to achieve their maximum potential. The names on his client roster are all ones you have heard: they include the names of famous athletes but also many leaders from all kinds of places. His company has also worked with thousands of people and does research to help people to improve their ability to perform. One of the things that the research they did in the business community showed some surprising results.

When people were asked if they could choose the words written on their grave the answers were surprisingly uniform in their response and not always honored in our culture.

The answers shocked the participants because they all spoke to being known as a person with integrity, being a loving parent, being kind, generous, and someone who was generous in their help to others.

No one mentioned the amount of money they made, the rapid promotions, their business titles- it was all about what they valued and who they aspired to be.

It was a great conversation about what is really important.

It seems appropriate since this is year-end to reflect on those things that are most important to us so that we can be present to the utter joy they bring us. To that end, I thought asking a few questions might help.

1. What challenged you this year, and what helped you meet that challenge?

2. Who were the unexpected people who arrived in the nick of time to help you?

3. What are you most proud of this year?

4. What are three significant things you learned about yourself?

5. What do you want more of? Less of?

It’s so common to rush away from questions like these because they take some mental digging. We are not very well trained to sit with questions that take us into our hearts and yet, this is where the gold is.

Over the next four days, I invite you to explore these questions and write down some responses. They don’t have to be long but put them in a place where you can easily find them for this time next year.

You will amaze yourself and hopefully experience a surge of pleasure around your answers- even if you haven’t reached your goal yet.

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