Tandem: Gratitude and Determination
I like to think in conceptual terms and run the concepts out practically. My friends tell me that it’s exhausting to watch but hear me out on this one!
I look back and I look ahead puposefully. Through choice.
1. I choose to be grateful when I look back on my intentions and actions.
It could be an interaction with a colleague a decade ago or a finished project a month ago. The experiences, I realize, weren’t perfect. I could have said I kinder word or operated more efficiently, but to dwell on “what could have been” just steals all my energy.
I’m pleased that I’ve developed the ability (for the most part) to learn from the imperfections and revel in positive!
I can often look back and smile. That is a gift that I give myself!
2. When looking ahead, I choose determination.
I’m determined to have better interactions, to be more creative, to learn from mistakes, to serve more, to aim higher.
Dont’ misconstrue this a call for just more hard work. No. In fact the opposite, my value for better interactions with my family mean that I might be working less at times.
This is more of an exercise that presupposes a value-based framework on my future. Intentionally.
Now let’s combine them! Let’s imagine how purposeful determination today leads to gratitude later!
See! It works! Yes! Take that exhausted friends!