2012 begins as most years do. Folks are evaluating their circumstances; considering the status quo for their lives and their careers. Yes, they are describing the water. The New Year’s resolution list continues to be a source of challenge for us, and is riddled with pitfalls if our resolve is plan-less. And plans, personal or professional, work best if developed with a full understanding of here and now.
How do you describe the water in your life? Unless you can describe and fully understand the “water” that you choose to navigate, your potential for success can be “dead in the water”.
If we use the nautical model for terms of sailing conditions and recommendations from marine authorities, there are five water conditions that we must consider before we set our course and determine the potential for successful navigation:
Smooth Water: Small waves, but navigation is easy with full sail deployed.
Moderate Seas: Some white caps requiring adjustment to sails (reefing).
Lengthening Waves: Many white caps and sea spray. Rougher waters make the boat more difficult to manage.
Large Waves: Many white caps and sea spray. Considerable sailing experience required and attention to craft advisories is recommended.
Gale Conditions: High waves with white caps and sea foam. Ashore activities recommended and sailing is discouraged.
Metaphorically, the nautical descriptions of seafaring conditions can correlate to our own readiness conditions. Become a student of yourself for a few days this January. Assemble information that can help you to match your strengths to the goals you have declared.
For example: You have decided to change your career direction. Your goal is to apply for three jobs in your chosen field by March, 20, 2012.
- The condition of job candidacy is highly competitive now. Why? The applicant pool in the United States is ample with many qualified candidates. Depending on your readiness, Lengthening Waves may be affecting the competitive waters.
- If you determine that your qualifications are adequate and a match for each job application, Moderate Seas may affect other aspects of your life, such as, family relationships, relocation challenges, or temporary financial resources to make the change.
The late Peter McWilliams once said, “In reality, serendipity accounts for one percent of the blessings we receive in life, work and love. The other 99 percent is due to our efforts.”
Begin your Personal Strategic Plan by describing the water. Determine and reflect on your natural talents, your achievements, and the challenges that you have controlled and conquered. Create your self-portrait in the context of memorable events and artifacts that have shaped your life and work.
When you have accurately described the water, you can make powerful and sustainable commitments to achieve success with your 2012 Year’s resolutions. How would you describe your water this year?
