Christmas really is a special time of year. Even if you’re not part of a Western Judeo-Christian community, it falls around a celestial solstice which impacts the weather, daylight and is an all-round signifier of change.
It’s around this time of year, when everything is a bit crazy, that we find time to reflect and think back on what happened in the year past. It’s also a time to think about the future and the change we want to bring to ourselves, our communities and the world.
I often think of it like throwing stones into a lake. Christmas with all it’s chaos and excitement and activity can feel like everyone is throwing stones into a lake and creating lots of splash and ripple in the water.
It seems like only a few moments ago everything was far more peaceful! Rather than following suit and throwing your stones into the water, show patience and wait for the water to settle again. Use this time to seek clarity and let everyone else run around.
The lottery question is probably the best catalyst for thinking about the year ahead, around Christmas. If you won the lottery (yes, we don’t play the lottery – but imagine a large windfall of cash), what would you do?
It’s such a powerful question, because it asks of you what you’re expecting of the year ahead. If money was no problem, what are you going to do to fulfil your life?
How will you help your community or family? Would you retire and travel? Or would you put your expertise and knowledge to use elsewhere?
How you answer the question is a good indicator, as to what would make the next year more fulfilling. If you won the lottery, would be worrying about money or paying the bills? Almost certainly not.
I know that I’d take every cent and look to get sales training into the hands of every entrepreneur on the planet. Every child starting a business at school, every person starting their own business. I’d blanket the world with the world’s best sales coaching and training.
I feel that people who answer the question with an introspective answer, like “I’d build a private gym and train all day” or “I’d travel the world”, would find themselves no happier than before.
Yes, they’re doing what they love. But that’s the fundamental flaw in happiness. Money doesn’t make you happy, when you pursue your own internal gratification.
Money makes you happy when you use it to help others.
Christmas is a time of giving and I believe that funnel builders, marketers and sales people are uniquely positioned to help the world. Imagine being the first person to own a printing press or understand how to broadcast radio signals AND the impact it will have on the world.
So take some time, think about where you’re going to help others and write out your focal point for the year. It doesn’t have to be world changing or a massive vision. It’ll just be more powerful when you reflect on what you can give to others.
Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year.
Coach Mike
