“History is the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon.”
Napoleon
It has been one of those months, so busy I didn’t get a chance to write a single blog post. I had big plans for the month, hoping to write a few times a week. What to do? I could beat myself up for not getting it done but I would rather focus on the positive.
Where did April go? Where did I spend my time?
* Held Quarterly Mastermind Retreat for my longest standing mastermind team witnessing the remarkable success and breakthroughs my fellow entrepreneurs made this past quarter. Mostly, I enjoyed the loyalty and enthusiasm they have for helping each other succeed.
* Deepened my involvement with members of my favorite networks.
* Worked with Kim Doyal, The WordPress Chick to clean up the back-end of my blog and define requirements for a new and improved website.
* Designed 2 products to be rolled out with the new website.
* Continued editing “The Book†which has dominated my life for two years.
* Coached the most amazing business owners in the world.
* Completed Feasibility Reports for consulting clients.
* Worked with Designer on a new logo and “The Book†cover.
* Welcomed new office-mate on April 3 – a 12 week old puppy Maija who is learning the rules of the office.
* Handled my teenage sons’ car accident and gave thanks no one was hurt.
So, what is the point of this blog post? Is this a “guilt†post, one to explain why I didn’t blog through the month of April? No. It’s also not a “brag†post to impress my readers.
The point is we all have a choice as we look over the passing months and years. We can look back with guilt over what we haven’t done, compare the “planned versus actual†and wallow in frustration. My preference is to take the opportunity at month’s end to reflect on what was accomplished, give thanks for personal and professional blessings, and refresh my vision for the future.
What choice will you make?
My choice? Door #2. Tigger over Eeyore!
I’d say the addition of a cute puppy and the fact that your teenager is unhurt (as well as anyone else involved) is more than enough to declare total victory for the month!
If URLs are allowed in your comments, here’s a quick pic of our (relatively) new miniature piebald (spotted) dachshund – Colby:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4445630579_7090ec4e0a_b.jpg
A puppy can brighten any month!
Adorable pup! Thanks for sharing your picture and comments, Bill.
Susan
Ok, I admit it. I do a bit of both.
I wallow a bit and feel the guilt. I examine it and think it over. I decide what I might have let slide that didn’t deserve to be left behind.
I also look at what I did instead. I take pleasure in my accomplishments and what I’ve learned, and I make a plan to move forward.
Thank you for a post that reminds me what I have yet to do this month: look back.
The best laid plans of men and mice, Susan. I have to admit that I don’t write as much as I planned to, because sometimes life just gets in the way. The question is: do I beat myself up because I didn’t write or do I pull up my bootstraps and continue with the journey? Personally, I prefer reflecting on what happened and carrying on.
My two cents…
Wow that sounds like a busy month!
Pardon my ignorance, this is my first time to your blog, but what is a Mastermind group? It sounds very omnious, almost like the legion of doom, and I like it!
I’ll be very interested to learn more about you as I go through your blog.
Congrats on the puppy, and thank goodness your family is alright!
Tommy,
Thanks for stopping by! A Mastermind Group is a team of peers who meet periodically for the purpose of mutual sucess. Although there are variations in agenda, there is generally a round-robin format in which each member shares successes, commits to goals, and requests support and ideas for any issue. Confidentiality, shared enthusiasm, genuine support and loyalty combine to generate exponential results for the individual careers and businesses. My teams meet once or several times per month with “retreats” scheduled on a quarterly or semi-annual basis – it depends upon the needs of the group.
I have personally been a part of a mastermind team for over 10 years and it has been a tremendous benefit to my business and personal life.
Feel free to give me a call for more details as I could write a book on the topic.
Susan
Absolutely agree! Resilience, determination, and hope are a potent combination.
Heather,
You raise a good point about examining the causes of the shortfall – were there higher priorities or was it a case of procrastination? Taking pleasure in the lesson and moving forward is key.
Susan
Authenticity and Transparency are the keys.
It is inspiring to have someone willing to post their own goals, and be transparent about their own business. It encourages me to be able to believe these things are possible to handle day in and day out.
Also, as someone who is seeking to express my authenticity as much as I can on my own blog, I really appreciate your style of authenticity. It gives you personal credibility as far as I’m concerned, which turns into fiscal rewards over time.
I really appreciate all the information on your blog, and look forward to reading more.
Wow – thank you Debra!
Oh my goodness… you have been a very busy gal! I love that you are taking the opportunity to celebrate your successes. Too often we forget to give ourselves that well-deserved hug!
I’m sorry about your son’s accident. Thank goodness nobody was hurt.
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