OK, that's a phrase I see on Joe Scarborough's Twitter account on a regular basis. Over the past month, I have noticed that I have been saying that phrase more and more to myself and the folks in my life for different reasons.
As 2010 wraps up it is hard not to think of the many things to be thankful for in Beck land, even with the "unexpected summer vacation" from Microsoft. That time off allowed me the opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate some things in my life. Any adjustment – big or small, personal or professional – takes time. It requires structure and discipline to see it through. It requires communication – thoughtful and honest – with any parties that may have been impacted by your behaviors.
Fortunately, nothing was incredibly off-course, but the gut-check discussions with family and friends (new and long-term) really helped keep me on a path to goodness when things could have gone awry. And I still ended up learning a great deal about improving in some areas because I put myself out there knowing these people would be brutally honest with me. Feedback is a gift, and so I am thankful for these folks who invested their time and energy in @MrsPTC. And I've made sure to let them know that I appreciate them and their thoughts. It's part of the deal.
Those conversations force you to take a really long hard look in the mirror and admit what you see – the good, bad and ugly (blech!). If you've done something like this, you know the initial look in the mirror is generally not pretty. But you have to decide if you want to improve that image in the mirror or not, which is more about 'doing' than 'talking'. Sure 'talking' and, more importantly, 'listening' are how you figure out that you probably need to re-evaluate, but 'doing' is where it is at.
I am still working on the 'doing' based on some of the feedback I received but it is better than where it was 6 months ago. I'll probably never stop 'doing' because I'll always need to work on certain areas. But for me, it's important to not think too much about how much I need to improve and what could be a very long road, but to just keep moving forward. Hence "keep calm and carry on".
One big change for me: I have decided to change my fitness regimen for 2011, which most likely is including both an addition to my workouts and an overall philosophy shift. I am grateful for what I have achieved thus far, but know that I need to make some changes in order to make the impact that I want to make next year. No doubt that it's going to require working with someone new that has the accountability (click on this link on my thoughts around accountability), personal courage & integrity that I need in a partner to reach those goals. And it's going to be frustrating and challenging, but ultimately, I am confident I will be a better (and healthier) athlete as a result. I'll probably be happier, too.
Again, "keep calm and carry on".
Happy Holidays everyone!
As 2010 wraps up it is hard not to think of the many things to be thankful for in Beck land, even with the "unexpected summer vacation" from Microsoft. That time off allowed me the opportunity to take a step back and re-evaluate some things in my life. Any adjustment – big or small, personal or professional – takes time. It requires structure and discipline to see it through. It requires communication – thoughtful and honest – with any parties that may have been impacted by your behaviors.
Fortunately, nothing was incredibly off-course, but the gut-check discussions with family and friends (new and long-term) really helped keep me on a path to goodness when things could have gone awry. And I still ended up learning a great deal about improving in some areas because I put myself out there knowing these people would be brutally honest with me. Feedback is a gift, and so I am thankful for these folks who invested their time and energy in @MrsPTC. And I've made sure to let them know that I appreciate them and their thoughts. It's part of the deal.
Those conversations force you to take a really long hard look in the mirror and admit what you see – the good, bad and ugly (blech!). If you've done something like this, you know the initial look in the mirror is generally not pretty. But you have to decide if you want to improve that image in the mirror or not, which is more about 'doing' than 'talking'. Sure 'talking' and, more importantly, 'listening' are how you figure out that you probably need to re-evaluate, but 'doing' is where it is at.
I am still working on the 'doing' based on some of the feedback I received but it is better than where it was 6 months ago. I'll probably never stop 'doing' because I'll always need to work on certain areas. But for me, it's important to not think too much about how much I need to improve and what could be a very long road, but to just keep moving forward. Hence "keep calm and carry on".
One big change for me: I have decided to change my fitness regimen for 2011, which most likely is including both an addition to my workouts and an overall philosophy shift. I am grateful for what I have achieved thus far, but know that I need to make some changes in order to make the impact that I want to make next year. No doubt that it's going to require working with someone new that has the accountability (click on this link on my thoughts around accountability), personal courage & integrity that I need in a partner to reach those goals. And it's going to be frustrating and challenging, but ultimately, I am confident I will be a better (and healthier) athlete as a result. I'll probably be happier, too.
Again, "keep calm and carry on".
Happy Holidays everyone!