According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of The Horse begins on January 31. Within the Chinese calendar, each year is represented by an animal that carries with it a profound set of principles that forecast how the year will unfold. Here are three that are central to all our wellbeing:
First, there is nothing in the universe that is not subject to constant change and transformation.
Second, there is regularity within change. There is nothing accidental within the system. Change and transformation take place by way of a pattern to the process, not by chance.
Third, The individual is a microcosm of the universe itself. What is inside is also outside. Peace is found in the harmony between self and society. In the terms of Yin/Yang theory, the secret is to align one’s personal yin and yang with the universal yin and yang.
In the Year of the Horse, there are certain patterns of behavior that are suggested symbolically by the horse. These are: energy, speed, intelligence, warmth, physicality, coordination, stamina, and collaboration. These patterns should become models for how we all should approach the New Year.
Are you in sync with your environment? Are your thoughts, words and action creating a desired future state? Or are you in past tense? Here are ten researched ways to think, talk and win in 2014:
- Take Care. Make your wellbeing your non-negotiable number one priority. If you are healthy, robust and vibrant, everything is possible. The way you treat yourself is the way you will treat others.
- Know Your Context. Understand the circumstances and trends impacting your industry. Read the literature. Watch the videos. Talk to those in the know. Become one of them.
- Be You. Real power comes from your real self. Authenticity makes you strong. Pretense makes you fragile. So strip away your mask. Show your true colors. Play from your heart.
- Have Courage. Fortune favours the brave. Your comfort zone is a trap. Respect your fear but respect yourself more. If you dare to win, you may win. Life is hard so don’t be soft. Crises are bliss for the bold.
- Think Breakthrough. Change the game in ways that are both big and small. What will it take to achieve an unprecedented result? What risks do you absolutely need to take? What can you do today to push the envelope?
- Give To Get. Create more value than you consume. Amaze people with your contribution to their wellbeing. Their reciprocation will astound you.
- Act Now. Procrastinate later. Your success is directly correlated to what you do, not what you think. Now do the thing that you’re afraid to do. Now do the thing you know you have to do. Now do the thing that you want to do. Now.
- Keep Going. Don’t stop. Just one more step. Then one more. The finish line is always one step ahead. You will only win with a very strong will. Stamina is the most powerful word in the English language.
- Celebrate Everyone Every Day. Gratitude will guard you against regret. If you look for the magic in everyone, they’ll show it to you. Greet every person as though they are the person you really want to see in that moment. They may just see you the same way.
- Do The Right Thing. Let your conscience be your guide, but know what rules you must follow and what rules you can break. Wisdom is where experience, knowledge and good judgment intersect.
Whatever happens in 2014, back yourself to win. This is Mike Lipkin and I’ve got your back. Let’s ride.
