GConnie

My mom has this way of saying so much in a few words. She gets right to the point. And so I will too. I attended a business event today at which the main topic of conversation is the inability to find workers. I can't imagine not working - or not wanting to work.

My mom sent me on my way to school every day saying "Do good your best". That phrase is still an encouragement to me to bring my best to whatever task is before me ... and to do good. I have learned that I cannot do either without hard work and its rewards.

This morning she did it again with another phrase. I'm sure she's said it before, but this morning I heard it. Very simple, very short. "Enjoy your work." It is mom's reminder to me to be grateful for the ability to work, to appreciate my clients, and to find enjoyment in the labors of the day. There may come a day when I cannot work or, I suppose, I could choose not to work at all. But a world without work is not reality. Even if you have financial means, life itself is work - think of your relationships and the environment around you. Work is not a bad word. Whatever your work is, wherever you are called to apply your talents and abilities, find enjoyment in your work. Work brings with it challenge, satisfaction in a job well done, and opportunities to learn and grow - a life of work, meaning and purpose. I choose to lean into my work, do good my best, and find enjoyment in my daily work.

Sojourn. So now I have picked a word. How does that translate into setting goals? The truth is, it develops - it may be as a gentle thought, or inspired by something I read. In either case, it is prompted by focus on and around the word in several categories - my relationships, business, finances and person. It amazes me how focus on a single word will develop into actionable goals. A few years ago, I purchased a yellow pickup. Now I notice yellow pickups. Similar principle.

Reading the quotes of others that contain the word is a great place to be inspired. Here is a great example based on this quote. The beginnings of a first goal - to be a good ancestor - are coming into view. Why did this quote jump out at me? Remember, the start of forming a goal is to consider who do I want to be ... to become? How do I get from where I am to this? I suppose that this quote speaks to me, inspires me, because I already have a strong appreciation for those who came before me - those who worked and sacrificed to improve my life. I believe I have the same obligation to those who come after me. It is around this concept that I will examine where I am, where I want to be, then form measurable, accomplishable goals.

More specifically, today I am considering my legacy to and for my own children. For example, what needs to happen to ensure ongoing healthy relationships and how can I strengthen their sense of value and worth? Financially, are my affairs in order and structured in such a way that my resources are a blessing and not a curse?

And that is how a single word will frame my year and influence my focus. Sojourn - a short stay - perspective, presence, love.

I'm proud of my daughter. And not just because she knows how to stack straw bales. She has the heart of an entrepreneur - always looking for opportunities - willing to take risks. As an attorney, I can advise my clients on potential risks and work hard to protect them, but the truth is, I cannot predict the future. Having good agreements in place, following the rules, meeting your obligations - these make the route smoother. However, there is no risk free route that gets you to where you want to be. The very definition of business includes taking a risk with an expectation of reward. My job as an attorney isn't to scare you into staying home. At some point, the entrepreneur has to go out into the marketplace and start building, stacking and climbing. My job is to smooth the way and keep you on track. (Not legal advice - just a glimpse inside my practice)