I’ve set a goal to make this next year transformational. To be successful in that audacious goal, I must first transform myself.

If you want to join me in this pact “LIKE” Succeed On Purpose on Facebook, “Friend me“ on Facebook, or “Connect” with me on LinkedIn.

Goal 1: Appreciation Rules

I commit to making appreciation a daily practice. I’ve scheduled an “appreciation break” on my calendar each day. For 30 minutes a day, I stop and actually FEEL appreciation for the people, clients and blessings in my life. Basically, the very act of appreciation is now a daily habit. Appreciation RULES!

Goal 2: Positive First

Since “you get what you focus on,” I commit to focus only on the good in others, even if I don’t agree with their views. To accomplish this, I “assume positive intent.” What that means is that I start by assuming the other person, political party, entity, or group meant well, even if I don’t agree with their actions or beliefs. (This political season will be great practice!)

So no matter what happens, I commit to look for the good in it. I will look for what I appreciate, what excites me, and what motivates me in this world. Positive FIRST!

Goal 3: Make it Judgment Free

I commit to stop criticizing others, period. For me, this next year is a “No Judgment Year.”

Yes, I retain my strong opinions, beliefs and ideas. No, I will not tolerate clients (or vendors) treating our team members poorly.

But the difference between an opinion and a judgment is paramount. Opinions are personal: they are about me, or what I believe. Judgments are about others, or what others believe. Lets keep opinions, but drop judgment. (Again, this political season is a great time to practice!)

Here is a tip: Talk about what you believe, WITHOUT making others wrong for their beliefs.

Talk about what you believe, WITHOUT making others wrong for their beliefs.

People, and therefore societies, can hold conflicting ideas, simultaneously without judgement. For example:

1. I am a social liberal and a fiscal conservative.
2. I am deeply compassionate towards the less fortunate, but believe in the power of self-reliance. As a person who made it out of the “white ghetto” (AKA Trailer Park), I know the power of making it on my own. At the same time, sometimes the less fortunate need help. These don’t have to be opposite sides of the media-inspired Democrat-Republican battle lines.
3. I believe in free speech, but detest hateful words of any kind.
4. I despise war, but love and appreciate our military.
5. I profit from my service to others, yet am generous to a fault. Meaning and money are not mutually exclusive.
6. I believe in free enterprise, but understand the need to regulate.
7. I support the power of America, without thinking we are better than any other country.

As you can see, it’s possible to accept conflicting ideas and integrate them. The main thing about it though, is to stop judging others for their beliefs. Keep your opinions, but stop judging others.

So, who wants to join me in the Transformation Pact?

If you want to join me in this pact “LIKE” Succeed On Purpose on Facebook, “Friend me“ on Facebook, or “Connect” with me on LinkedIn.