Getting It Right the First Time
“One year from now, what will be the story you tell …?” Bumper Sticker
When I first saw that bumper sticker many years ago, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. For some reason, the idea that the decisions I was making now were going to become the stories I told tomorrow about my past and that I could therefore influence that story seemed quite profound. Now, it seems rather obvious … or is it? I don’t know about you, but sadly, I don’t always act as if it is. For some perspective, it was on March 11th one year ago that the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic. During that time, we’ve had almost 365 opportunities to create our “tomorrow stories about today.” How has that gone for you?
In recent conversations with colleagues, most are understandably struggling emotionally with the many changes and challenges that continue to come in rapid fashion, with weariness being a recurrent theme. Some, however, have also shared about of the “gifts” that have come about over the past year as a result of this life disruption called COVID-19. They talked about having important conversations with loved ones, teaching children new skills (or school) or learning new ones themselves, “dusting off” or taking up a hobby, appreciating time outdoors, and reflecting on life values and priorities.
They all agreed that they’ve had to make significant adjustments to psychologically adapt and have had to reframe what they “thought” was going to be their story of the past year. What some have realized is that the story they had been telling called “just make it go away” or “this really sucks” was not going to get them where they wanted to go and that it was time for a story re-vision.
This week offers such a re-vision opportunity, as we each have a chance to “get it right” the first time. As you look back on this upcoming week one week from now, what’s the story you would like to tell? How will you have shown up at work, for your loved ones, for yourself? What would you like to have accomplished? What conversations would you like to have had? Who will have felt important because of the time/attention you gave them? In other words, what will define this upcoming week for you? Your thoughts and decisions right now will have a substantial influence on the outcome of that story.
Indeed, this week, with every decision you make, you have the opportunity to help write the story of your future. Make it one you look forward to living … and to telling.