LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

by Gail Lowney Alofsin

20 IDEAS FOR AN ENHANCED AND INSPIRING 2020!

“Open YOUR eyes! The sole difference between ordinary and extraordinary is recognition.” - G.L.A

We blink and we are already several months into a new year. New Year, New You? Let’s adjust this lens from “new you” to “enhanced you.” This is your year! A new year is an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are a few suggestions as you continue the 2020 journey:

1. Enough with the Resolutions. 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. (Source: U.S. News and World Report.) Replace resolutions with goals you can commit to.

2. Set Goals. What four things would make your life better? Put these four realistic goals in writing. Ensure your goals are specific inclusive of a timeline. You can always adjust your goals, just get started!

3. Eat a Frog for Breakfast – every day. Plan your day and eat the frog (the hardest task) first. Addressing that frog, whether it is the start of a project or difficult conversation, will give you energy. Ribbit!

4. #OwnIt – Own your thoughts. What you think about becomes your reality.

5. Challenge Yourself. Make changes that will improve your life.

6. Don’t Close a Door that Could be Left Open. What are you so angry about? Is it worth it?

7. No Gossip, Period. Remember Mrs. Kravitz from the television sitcom, Bewitched? Stop looking out your window with judgment. Take a peek inside your own house.

8. Read “Designing Your Life – How to Build a WellLived and Joyful Life” by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

9. Watch “Love Actually”. Then watch it again. Smile, Laugh, Cry, Cheer.

10. Dance Party! Music connects. Music unites. Begin your day with a playlist that gets you moving! Live in your song!

11. Get Off the Couch. Start your exercise program slowly and realistically. Walk 10 minutes, then 20. The little things add up.

12. Limit the Junk Food. Do your best to eat healthy. Your body and mind will thank you.

13. Sleep is a Vitamin. Get at least 8 hours of sleep. You cannot run your engine without fuel. You will be invincible!

14. Laugh. Enjoy the people you encounter. Ignite a good belly laugh, every day.

15. Be a Friend. To have a friend, be a friend. “Collect” good people in your life.

16. Plus One. What is one more thing you can do to enhance a relationship with your colleague, client, family?

17. All Phones Down – and put away. Be present.

18. Serve Others. Every morning ask yourself: “What can I do to enhance another person’s life today?”

19. Gratitude. Reflect every day on the gifts in your life, you know what they are. And say thank you. The best gifts cannot be wrapped.

20. LIVE YOUR LIFE! People have more regrets about the chances they did not take than the ones they did. Don’t miss out. This is not a dress rehearsal. Don’t “what if” your life – get there and live it!

Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations for Newport Harbor Corporation/Newport Restaurant Group. An adjunct professor at the University of RI and Salve Regina University, author, speaker and volunteer, Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island. To date, 100% of the sales of her book, Your Someday is NOW! What Are YOU Waiting For? have raised over $42,000 for non-profit organizations. Visit gailalofsin.com for more info.

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