To Don't List

Robyn Greenspan, Editor in Chief of ExecuNet sent me a piece on “Making a “to don’t” list. I’m not one to write to do lists (to me they’re wish lists) or make new year’s resolutions. For those of you who work with me you’ll know what I mean when I talk about setting intentions. Robyn’s list is a different perspective and an important one. I loved it and, with her permission am sharing it with you.

Here is Robyn’s “to don’t” list i.e. actions and behaviours to stay away from in the new year.

Don't....

· Set unrealistic or unfair expectations of myself. Say, “yes” to everything without first assessing the emotional, professional, personal, karmic ROI.

· Neglect to quickly give credit to the team.

· Solely focus on short-term benefits unless it is a pathway to accomplishing long-term goals.

· Get complacent.

· Count on anything before it is a reality.

· Forget to network because it often benefits someone other than myself.

· Stop critically thinking, but refrain from always shooting holes in others’ ideas.

· Always eat the goodies in the kitchen without bringing some to share too.

· Lose sight of the fact that I can replace my job but not my family.

· Stress!

I’ll leave you with this…

“You were born to be exceptional, to blaze a trail into territory where no one has ever gone before. Choose today, and every day, to let your own unique, exceptional light shine brightly for all to see.” - Ralph Marston

If you don’t choose to be who you know you are, then someone else will define it for you. If you’re trying to be who others believe you should be, then who in the world will be you? The greatest contribution you can make is to be your authentic self and to let others see that it’s OK for you to choose being you. That way, they in turn can choose to be themselves as well. It’s not only acceptable; it’s celebratable!

Best!
Donna Karlin