What's worth celebrating?

Listen to the podcast version of this post

Debate has raged in Australia again about our date for Australia Day because for some the chosen day isn't worth celebrating. Agreeing on what's worth celebrating? and what can be better? is a key way forward.

For me Australia Day is a public holiday where we get together for a barbeque and celebrate each other. I have never celebrated Australia Day.

Don’t get me wrong I’m proud to be an Australian. I celebrate being an Australian.

I’m embarrassed that we stick to a National Day despite knowing such a day is insulting to many of our first people. Why not in a spirit of harmony pick a neutral date? Why we keep creating conflict and division is beyond me.

What is worth celebrating to you?

I can make a long list to answer this question.

For example I celebrate being:

• Alive.
• In love with my wife Carol and our 47 years together.
• Having children and a grandchild that I am proud of.
• Having good neighbours and living in a peaceful place.
• Being a writer, conversationalist, and mentor.
• Working with wonderful clients.
• Living in a nice home.
• Our garden.
• Reading great books.
• Living near great wineries and restaurants.

What is worth celebrating to you?

Two Suggested actions

1) Make a ritual out of asking and answering two questions, what's worth celebrating? and, what can be better?

I've been asking myself these two questions every day for more than 40 years. 

I believe they're two very powerful questions because they ensure I began every day grateful and focused.

Try the above yourself for at least a month. It will help you to ensure that this year is your best year yet. 

Maybe this will become a life-long habit.

For more than a quarter of a century these two questions have been the foundation for informal and formal performance review conversations by my clients. Several clients began their team meetings with answers to these questions.

These two questions are critical in the quest of competing with yourself and collaborating with everyone else.

My self-directed online course Reasons, Relationships and Routines Guarantee Results is one way to compete with yourself and collaborate with others. It’s five short videos and a small workbook. You’ll find it all here. 

2) Seek to sustain shared-view in seven areas of significance

You'll find a video and a podcast and a one page diagnostic on the seven here. 

When we sustain shared-view in the seven, reality, possibility, purpose, strategy, execution, progress, culture we can end all of troubles (personal, local, organisational, national, and international)

Who will you become? What will you do next?

Become the wise leader you want to be.

Ian