Your Unwritten Story: A Year-End Call to Action

At this time of year, many of us stop and reflect on the highs and the lows of the past year, and we look forward to the year ahead. The end of the calendar year and the beginning of the next is a natural yet arbitrary prompt. 

But I say, why wait?

For me, 2023 was a year of tremendous highs and deep lows.  After losing a dear dear dear loved one, this was the year I embraced the mantra: why wait? 

I hiked a Volcano. 

I visited my cousin in Zimbabwe. 

I volunteered with EO.

I jammed in a band for the first time. 

I travelled like a demon. 

I saw my favourite band. (The Avett Brothers, if you are wondering)

I worked hard and experimented with ideas and services. 

And…I spent as much time as possible with family and loved ones.

The irony is, that this carpe diem message is not new to most of you, and certainly not to me. 

I have had the privilege of working with several great leaders who have delved into this concept with great gusto and from uniquely different tacts: 

Ask @jeffguthrie about his Doughnut of Life talk. How much have you eaten, and what will you do with the bites you left?

Or @Tom Benson about how embracing fear can help you embrace vitality. How can you face your fear to live a more fulfilling life today? 

 Or Jared Smith’s very personal and powerful take on loss and life. How long will you wait to take a sledgehammer to the disguise holding you back?

These incredible leaders know too well that our time on this planet is precious, and inaction can be our enemy. 

So, why wait?

As we close out 2023, I  say, damn the December debrief, jump start January is a joke, and it’s time to rise up and revolt against New Year’s resolutions.  

These catchphrases give us permission to wait. It gives inaction the edge. 

We program ourselves to think there will always be a better time. 

A more convenient access point.

An easier way. 

 A quicker route.

 When we have more money. 

 More people.

 More clients.

 More time…

But it’s just not true. 

Time is not a renewable resource. Time is fleeting. Time is a gift. 

So, my wish for everyone is

Find the…

People

Places

Profession

Pastimes

Peace

 …you love and need. 

Find them.  Embrace them. Relish them.

Fully. Completely. Don’t wait. 

And this time next year, I hope you did everything you possibly could to fill your cup and maximize your time on this planet.

Happy holidays and peace to all.

 Nick