You Get What You Expect!

Here we are, at the end of November 2009 already! Time flies! It seems like only yesterday that there was so much 'to do' about the new millennium and here we are, facing 2010 already!

I used to set goals for the year but now, as I age (gracefully), I find that I am setting goals for the next decade. One year just isn't good enough for me anymore!

I've had some interesting conversations with some of my coaching clients over the past month. In Canada, we celebrated Thanksgiving in October and, after the holiday, my clients were sharing their holiday experiences with me. In my business, I seem to attract women who are not only solo-preneurs, but they are also involved in blended families. Being a step-mother and a business women myself, I am a 'similar credible other' and am able to share some helpful tips and hints, particularly for the holiday season.

That's what I want to do in this article today. December IS just around the corner. By now, my American friends, have had their own Thanksgiving experience and are sitting back and reflecting...what went well - and what didn't! The real question is "and what are you going to do about it, in preparation for Christmas?" That's the beauty of life! Once we get through one holiday season, another one is just around the corner. I think that's fabulous because, if things didn't necessarily go well with the family, we have time to be proactive and prepare for a different outcome for the next holiday.

"If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting!"

To expect anything different is the definition of insanity.

So, what are your expectations for the Christmas holidays? Now is the time to think about it and discuss it with your family. Perhaps it's time for some new traditions? What's working? What's not? What is one thing you could do differently to increase the level of happiness for each of you?

Sometimes, it's a good thing to change traditions. When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. It was fun to be with friends, celebrating in a different way and enjoying the decorations, cultures, and food!

We get what we expect out of life - not necessarily what we want. If you expect to have a bad time during the holidays - to have tension and stress and be exhausted - then that's exactly what will happen. Life is short. Is that what you REALLY WANT? Not me.

You have the power and you have the time, right now, to create a different experience for December 2009. If not you, then who? If not now, then when?