How Will You Spring Forward in the Coming Months?

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed... Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders." — Henry David Thoreau

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite grateful that spring has finally arrived.   This change of seasons provides a dramatic and symbolic contrast from the colder more monotone backdrop of winter to the warmer, lighter, burst-of-color palette of spring, and with it, a chance to do some personal and professional reflection.  Two traditional activities of spring provide a wonderful anchor for that reflection if you are willing.

Spring Cleaning: 

With warmer weather, spring provides an opportunity to do some cleaning, both inside and out.  Inside, one can pack up or give away those things no longer needed and open the windows to “air out” the house.  Outside, one can clean up the debris accumulated over fall and winter and put a fresh coat of paint on those places weathered by years of exposure.  For your reflection, consider how some internal and external “spring cleaning” of your life might be useful as you begin to prepare for the next few months.  What habits or patterns have you accumulated that you no longer need or have outgrown?  What is “cluttering up” your life in terms of overcommitments or mindless activity?  What parts of you need some “sprucing up” through a change in pattern of diet, exercise, sleep, or even making an appointment for routine medical care?

Spring Planting: 

Spring is also the season for tilling and enriching the soil, then planting seeds.  It provides the opportunity to look into the future and act now in preparation for the time of future “harvest.”  As you prepare yourself spring, consider what type of seeds would you like to plant in your personal and professional life that could lead to a bountiful harvest in the next 4-6 months if you follow through with providing them water and sunlight.  Is there a specific “crop” you need to attend to?  What resources do you need to ensure your growth goes as planned? 

Recall that a vital component of the PeerRxMed process is the quarterly “up to 90 minutes every 90 days” check-in (what I call PRx90) intended to provide a deliberate space for reconnecting with ourselves and our PeerRxMed partner.  Here’s a reminder of that Process .  As spring begins, it’s time to schedule that quarterly meeting once again.  To help guide that dialogue, consider the questions above as well as a few others below:   

·       What have you learned about yourself over the past 3 months?

·       What are your top personal/professional goals and priorities over the next three months?  What is one that will cause disappointment if you have not accomplished it when we meet again in 3 months?

·       When’s your next vacation / adventure / break?  What will you do that will be fun for you?

The transition of seasons provides an incredible opportunity to pause and ponder, and then to create a plan for the coming months.  Don’t squander this opportunity.  It will be a “spring forward” that won’t require an act of Congress – only some action from you in the form of cleaning, and planting ….