The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

As the first month of 2017 comes to a close it is a good time to determine to what you are going to focus on for the next 11 months that lie ahead. The best way to get what you want is to plan in advance by choosing what’s next for you.

Whatever is next for you, it will require time. It is baffling the unproductive ways in which so many use their time. Yes, we do live in a world of distractions. However, you are in control and must be selective in the way you use your time.

You see, your time is not only your most precious resource, it actually levels the playing field.

Consider this, we each get 24 hours per day. Be you ‘wealthy’ or ‘poor’, you get the same 24 hours. One of the best kept secrets of success is that successful people make better use of their time. They realise that their success is directly tied to the productive use of time and they are driven to do more with their 24 hours.

As you ponder what’s next for you, understand that your time is a major factor. Taking time to contemplate what you will do next in your life is of enormous value. Try not to get too overwhelmed by the results you see showing up, instead focus more on the process. Every successful outcome begins with a successful process. The farmer knows that a bountiful harvest is only the result of the enriching process of cultivating, planting and nurturing.

Another point of note is the idea of blaming others. While it may be easy, blaming others for your perceived failures is another unproductive use of your time.

Blaming changes nothing. You are better off figuring out how to take responsibility. Early on in my life I came to accept that nobody – and I mean nobody – ought to be held more responsible for my life than me. It is my life. I am responsible, plain and simple. The same is true for you – it is your life; you are responsible – full stop.

Taking responsibility empowers you to decide what’s next for your life. Whether you agree or not, you are the driving force behind your life. At any time you can choose to stay the same or rewrite the script to move your life forward. Taking the latter position will enable you to select better choices and make more productive use of your time.

Now here’s the catch, and there is always a catch. You cannot become a better person if you are spending your time around negative, bitter people. Bitterness serves only to overshadow your betterment.

Therefore, you must remove yourself from negative, bitter people and places. This includes your media intake. Absorbing movies, music and conversations revolving around depressing, mean-spirited topics will not produce an improved outcome.

Your mind takes the shape of the information you feed it. As we say, garbage in – garbage out.

Find media programmes that inspire you and provide positive food for your mind. After making such adjustments, begin the process of choosing what’s next.

A good starting place is to reevaluate your sense of identity. Sadly, millions of people self-identify according to their titles, status or what they can build or buy.

The difficulty with this form of identity is, if who you are is based only on things you own and you lose all your stuff, what happens to your identity?

Consider adopting this quiet truth is: you are more than what your money or status can buy. Your self-worth is woven into the universal tapestry that upholds the sun, moon and stars. Can you imagine that? Accept this unlimited identity and take time to really decide what’s next for your life.

Perhaps you desire to embark on uncovering your purpose – going back to school or finally doing that one thing you have been promising to do for years.

Whatever you choose, begin to create a vision and set goals. Understand that every vision needs a goal, every goal needs a plan and every plan needs a strategy.

Leader to leader, you are the CEO of your life and it is your responsibility to choose what’s next. Take time to redefine yourself and set goals that drive you to take your life higher.

Consider participating in my upcoming session to help you clarify what’s next for your life. When you choose in advance what’s next, you put yourself in the driver’s seat of your life. It is at this intersection that you are better able to live an empowered. And yes, you definitely can do it.

What do you think?

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com call or 429-6770.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www.talktomichellemiller.com or call 1-888-620-7894; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.