Many of us find ourselves in a race to year-end, that imaginary point in time that demarcates the year that is ending, coupled invisibly to the year that is about to start. As we get closer to that line, it seems as though we are racing towards it and little time is left for reflecting back in time or thinking forward, to what 2022 might have in store.
However, if we just pay attention to the real passage of time, we find this perception is of our doing. We can in fact pay attention to the year ahead, not as a linear progression of the year past or perhaps (as it may feel) continued acceleration, but as a stepping stone into a future that is, largely, of our creation. If we pay attention to it, deliberately, and if we invest in the skills and capabilities we need, one at a time, if we spend time in relationship with others – those who we see would inhabit our world in 2022, the year ahead may just begin to resemble what we have painstakingly knitted in our mind. We will be able to more consciously recognize the opportunities which others just see as ‘noise’, we would recognize the valuable contributions of others to our creations, to our acts of innovation (even if some may turn out otherwise, even surprise us). We could even begin to savor the year 2022, before it even began.
There are many reasons to continue racing towards the end of this year, full of angst and extrapolating forward. But with our intention and paying deliberate attention to the underlying themes and currents, you may find yourself creating 2022 to be a whole lot different. You have, in fact, developed a head-start.
Have a good weekend everyone!