5 Reasons to Be Optimistic in 2012!

The New Year is here and it’s time to get back at it.  For many, thank goodness 2011 is behind you and it seems as if “The Year of the Reset” is over.  With so many crazy things happening last year, it was like the entire planet was “rebooting” and creating a demarcation point in history.

There’s no reason to go back and list or review that past.  There have been plenty of blogs and stories that have done it and frankly…most were not all that encouraging.  No matter how positive you are or what your state of mind last year…reality says it was a tough year. 

So why be optimistic in 2012…because ultimately 2011 SERVED each and every one of us!  You might be asking how?  That’s fair…so let me share with you the five questions I share with my coaching clients and train on extensively with corporate audiences.

In all situations (like living through a year like 2011), ask yourself these 5 questions:

1)    What was the lesson?  For many it was that they did not have their systems tightened down or as in control as they thought.  Professionally, I took a close look at some of the projects I was involved in and recognized they were not congruent with my direction going forward.  The first reason to be Optimistic in 2012 ~ The events of the past have caused far greater focus going into 2012!

2)     What was the gift?  For many the “gift” is that they are still around to conduct business.  For me it was truly understanding what is important physically, mentally and spiritually.  The second reason to be Optimistic in 2012 ~ My walk with God, my higher source is closer and stronger than ever!

3)      What did you do to create it?  We all have to take responsibility to our actions…stuff doesn’t just happen.  Things that happened to and through you were a result of choices that were made.  The third reason to be Optimistic in 2012 ~ Greater awareness means the potential for more and sustained growth going forward…once you take the appropriate actions.

4)      What can be done to make it better?  This is potentially the most important question of them all.  When you take a critical look at the good, the bad and the ugly…an alternative course of action usually shows up.  Being real with yourself and taking inspired action to get you on a better path is key.  The fourth reason to be Optimistic in 2012 ~ You can only “course correct” once you have feedback.  And feedback many times comes from being off-course…use it to your benefit!

5)      How will this serve me the rest of my life?  Whatever happened to you in 2011 has happened to you…you might as well get the best and greatest use from it!  Years like 2011 are character builders…they either expose or promote.  In either case, let your challenges become stepping stones now…and in the future!  The fifth reason to be Optimistic in 2012 ~ Now you know more so now you can do better!  In the words of the immortal Napoleon Hill, “Whatever the mind of a man can conceive and believe…it can achieve!”

If I can ever be of service to you, please feel free to contact me at Scott@ScottSchilling.com or through www.ScottSchilling.com .