Ending on a High Note

Remembering – To Look Ahead

Recently, I found myself recalling sound words of advice from a former colleague and now long-time friend to “always end on a high”.  She volunteered this phrase during a particularly frustrating period when I would have liked nothing more than to tender my resignation on the spot.  If I were honest!

Had I forged ahead with my impatient designs, Michelle is right.  My employment would have concluded on a low.  Depleted energy would have neither rendered justice to a workplace that had given much nor honoured my significant contributions.

Instead, adopting a thoughtful approach to my departure and search allowed me to complete important projects during that difficult period – while leaving a legacy of grace.

The Top Ten List

No matter what kind of year it has been personally, you can choose to see it out on a high.  If the past twelve months were great, make them fantastic by celebrating your achievements to the hilt!  If the past twelve months were less than stellar, you can still elect to frame up those events as a learning experience.  Remember this counsel:

1. Remain true to yourself.  Never compromise your values because of another person’s demands or expectations.
2. Let go of “mistakes”.  You can’t change the past – only your response to it.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others.  Pay tribute to your strengths.
4. Concentrate on positive thoughts.  Low self-esteem is worsened by lack of focus.
5. Surround yourself with supportive people (those who teach or motivate you).
6. Make movement part of your day.  “Exercise” will keep you strong.
7. Keep learning new skills.  It’s self-empowering to gain mastery.
8. Avoid self-judgment.  It exhausts you mentally.
9. Stay aware of what image you’re projecting to the world.
10. Overcome your fears.  Take daily “baby steps” toward your goals/dreams.

Parting Reflections

I sincerely hope you draw inspiration from this list of confidence-enhancing suggestions.  They’re intended to remind you of some key principles…Each thought creates action…Carrying emotional baggage creates disharmony and regret…Keep the adventures and challenges of your life in perspective…Do something every day that scares you.

As Henry David Thoreau is famously quoted:

“If one advances confidently in the direction of one’s dreams, and endeavours to live the life which one has imagined, one will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”