A new year resolution I can keep.
I’ve made many declarations at the end of each year, but for 2024, it is simply “one a day.” Will you join me?
Every day, I check the world news as I start my day. And most days, it makes me sad how little I can do for the displaced families of a war or the victims of mass shooters in a place of worship. It is hard, at times, to remember to focus on the things you CAN control―where you CAN make a positive impact―as you look around at all the things you can’t control.
Over this holiday, my granddaughter picked up a paperweight from my desk which has been there for two years. Often, you overlook something when it has been part of your surroundings for a while. It seemed a meaningful moment. The paperweight had this on it:
“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do, and mostly live.”
―Dalai Lama
While I can’t control what happens around me, and I can’t do anything about yesterday or tomorrow, I CAN control my actions today. I can tell someone I appreciate them for who they are. I can acknowledge a team member’s hard work and thank them for their unique contribution. I can simply smile at a stranger, or hold the door for someone, and try to make their day a little bit brighter. It is the “small stuff that matters,” as they say.
There are things we can control―and they are the moments we make for others. This year, my goal for 2024 is “one a day.” Do something each day that is an intentional gesture to show someone else how much you love them and believe in them.
I’d love to hear what you plan to do, or how you have already done this. Leave a comment below to share.
About the Author
Carol Seymour: Global Executive, Speaker, Author and Founder of Signature Leaders
Carol Seymour is a sought-after business leader and seasoned global executive of large and mid-cap size companies and private-equity backed turnarounds. She founded Signature Leaders in 2013 which focuses on accelerating women into next level leadership and helping leaders create greater impact and influence. Signature Leaders was recognized last year as one of Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Private Companies”.
The Signature series of leadership offerings support the growth of women from Manager level up to and including C-suite executives. Today, more than 3000 global leaders across 6 continents have experienced a Signature program. Signature Leaders partners with more than 140 market-leading companies for their selective investments.
Carol is also a Founding Member of Paradigm for Parity and named one of the Top 40 Women Keynote Speakers for 2020 by RealLeaders Magazine.
Carol resides in Cashiers, NC. She has two married children, three granddaughters, and a grandson.