LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

By Gail Lowney Alofsin

YOUR FUTURE IS YOUR FOCUS! WELCOME 2023!

The new year offers opportunity to welcome unique experiences and time to reflect on what is important to you at this stage of your life.

Focusing on what is important and what you would like to accomplish is one of the many keys to your success. When you plan time to think, meditate or just sit in silence to focus, you will find the rest of your day more productive.

As you launch into 2023, let’s FOCUS on: Friendship, Optimism, Communication, Unstoppable and “Someday” as a few points to amplify our time and enhance our lives.

Friendship

When traveling by plane, flight attendants instruct us: “In the case of emergency, put the oxygen mask on your face first before assisting the person next to you.” Same as on the airplane, you need to put yourself first to recharge, to bring your best self to others.

Observe and consider carefully - who do you want in your life for the next year? Are there people to limit your time with or “bless and release” completely from your life? Avoid people who drain your energy, enthusiasm and passion for projects, people, and life.

Cultivate your inner calm. Make a list of peaceful thoughts and plan time to enjoy friends and family who mean the most to you. Continue to collect great people in your life. To keep a friend, be a friend.

Optimism

Do you like to spend time with negative people? Do you appreciate hearing people complain? As a friend of mine enjoys saying “Some people see the glass as half empty and others see it as half full. As I see it - it’s time for another round!” Let’s focus on another round of appreciation, enthusiasm, and encouragement. There are so many lives you can touch with your kindness.

When you learn how to develop powerful thinking through positive thoughts, you will eliminate the negativity and transform your life. Try it!

Communication

Everything communicates - from the way you arrive to social or business events to the words you say. When you enter a room –is your attitude one of “There YOU are” versus “Here I am”?

Are you present or looking around the room for the BBD (Bigger, Better Deal) while conversing with people?

Your communication acumen will serve to define and further develop you both personally and professionally. Effective communication will limit misunderstandings which will save time! Start with the awareness of your impact on others. Simply stated – What feelings are YOU leaving in YOUR wake?

Unstoppable

Smile more. You will be amazed at how much better your day becomes. Tip the bellman, the servers, the housekeeping team more than is customary if you can. Volunteer – this is the M.O. of the happiest people I know.

Got goals? Think of what you want to accomplish and start. It is that simple. Set a timer for 20 minutes a day to focus on these goals. Have a little more time? Reset for another 20 minutes. Baby steps are better than no steps at all. Why doubt yourself and your ability? In the words of author, Ayn Rand – “The question is not what is going to let me, it’s who is going to stop me.” Be an unstoppable force!

Someday (is NOW!)

What are you waiting for? If you are waiting to have a difficult conversation, have it. If you are harboring a grudge, release it. If you are desiring a vacation, plan it. If you are saving your new outfit for a special occasion, wear it. Looking for more time with family and friends? Organize it. If you are hesitant to say I love you, say it TODAY!

Do you want to accomplish more in your day, week, month, year? You may never have more time. Situations have a way of arising just when we think we are all set. Your future is in your hands – what will you focus on in 2023?

Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations for the Newport International Boat Show, a division of 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. Gail can be reached: gail@gailspeaks.com or 401-640-4418. For more information: gailspeaks.com

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