A new year is so irresistible – and there’s an in-built sense of anticipation as we think of and prepare for what’s ahead. Yet some of us struggle to take flight.
Well, true confessions, I have several planes waiting to lift off. Each one has its own estimated arrival time. And I remind myself to have the flight path for each one of them right in front of me, and to set my priorities. After all, I can only fly one plane at any one moment.
Keep your goals in front of you right from the boarding gate. See it, speak it, feel it, and stay on course no matter what. When the wind blows, navigate right back into position.
Achieving a steady altitude depends on not just what you do; but also on the belief that you have what it takes to get there – “I think I can, I think I can.” Air pockets? Yes, it will get a little bumpy, perhaps sooner than you’re expecting. But remind yourself to breathe – “I got this. I know I’m up to the task.”
Now, you’ve been airborne for three hours – not bad. Keep your seat belt fastened, look at the map, see how far you’ve come, and celebrate. You’re headed in your chosen direction with an estimated three hours left. You can do this.
Since you’re relaxed, you feel your mind drifting off to those other planes that had been sitting in the back of your mind … The more planes you have to fly this year, the more challenging a task it can be.
Stay present to what’s in front of you, and what’s inside. Postpone thinking about some of those flights, or cancel them if doing so suits your larger purpose, vision, and goals. With the help of your crew, navigate the little steps and giant leaps with precision. Do what it takes.
You are enjoying cruising mode about now – take a break when you can. Be ready for the next steps, and stay aware and alert- there may be some unexpected steps along the way.
Well, that went by relatively quickly, and the runway lights are just ahead. It’s delicate, but you’re up to this task, like all the others. You always want to end well too, so you make a slow, well executed landing, turn off the engines and step out after another successful practice run.
Thank goodness for flight simulators!
I bet you will soar in 2024 — It’s time for the real take-off!
