Over the past few weeks we have been experiencing some very cold weather and snow in the UK. This has caused problems for many people as they try and go about their daily routines. For some it has stopped many of their activities.
I visited a friend yesterday who has only just started to surface after 3 weeks of deep snow and impassable roads to her home. Whilst there are many ‘down sides’ to this weather there are also some positives too, if we care to take stock. These are just a few ideas….
- The opportunity of cancelled meetings or activities that provide a wonderful ‘gift of time’ to complete other things that have been waiting to be done – often for too long.
- The camaraderie that many have displayed during this time of a shared problem.
- The change in scenery so we see things in a different light.
- The resourcefulness of having to make do with what we have rather than always being able to go out and get everything that we think is crucial for our existence.
- …..I am sure you can think of more, cant you?
I was out walking the other day and took the picture you see. It is part of the River Severn that flows through Worcester, in England and it is frozen over. In many parts of the world a frozen river is nothing exceptional – in England it is. It froze over on Christmas Eve when the temperature in Worcester dropped to minus 19C, and remained well below freezing for a few days. It is a wonderful sight and got me thinking about how we see our world.
We often see all the colours and different shading, the picture being complex. This picture is completely devoid of colours other than on a scale from white, through gray to black. Interesting and very impactful, I am sure you agree.
It got me thinking that how often do we strip away the complex and bring our situation into focus by looking at it through a simpler lens? Sometimes you see things you had not seen before, sometimes you can see the framework of the situation and realise where the weak points are.
Interesting…..and especially useful as I create my goals for 2011. Now I am going to look at the framework and overall structure of those goals to make sure they are robust and will ensure I am going to be successful. To make sure that I don’t just create dreams and no reality. As you set your goals for 2011 are you going to keep that focus too? I do hope so.
Peter
