The One Person Who Can Change Your Life

I spotted this on Facebook: “If you’re searching for that one person who can change your life, look in the mirror.” Who do you want to be? Where do you want to go in your life? What gives you meaning? 

Too often in our busy lives, we skim along life’s surface, without being sure we are investing time and energy in what is most important. To avoid frustration and regret, set aside time for reflection and adjustment. Here are a few ideas to guide this process. 

Review your life story and list decisions that had a major impact on who you are today, as well as actions that influenced others. What worked well and what not so well? What might you do differently? What do you do well and enjoy? 

Embrace hope and a growth mindset. There is much to be discouraged about these days, but holding on to hope and optimism is essential to learn and grow. Embrace the idea that life is a journey with countless opportunities for self-improvement. 

Model your values. “Your fundamental values and beliefs represent the core of who you are,” argue James Kouzes and Barry Posner in their book  Learning Leadership. List your top values and periodically reflect on how you are living them.    

Live with authenticity and self-awareness. Be true to yourself and clear about how you show up in daily life. Be on the lookout for areas where your actions might not measure up to your values.

Embrace gratitude as a key to happiness. Brené Brown observes: “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness -- it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention.”

You can read my NH Business Review column on this topic at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2024/07/12/?article=4240151. 

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!