What Were Your Top “Wins” for 2023?
The most excellent Reggie Hudlin spoke of listing his top ten happy events of 2023. This is a WONDERFUL idea, a terrific habit, especially for people who have a hard time remembering anything positive in their lives. People will often do the "I have nothing to be happy about", ignoring all the things they have they'd be miserable to lose. They do the "I'vd never been successful with any goal" ignoring the daily tasks they set for themselves to do, or the major milestones EVERYONE who can read these words have passed. EVERYONE.
That negativity shuts down gratitude, which destroys faith, which breaks the MAGIC Formula. Zero. Here are mine:
1) Crystal Lake writer's room
2) Star Wars contract
3) Completion of Firedance Tai Chi class
4) Launching Jason's first product (MAGIC 4 TEENS)
5) (UNNAMED PROJECT) Option and script
6) Bradbury Event Indianapolis
7) Celebrate 25th anniversary in Atlanta
8) Beach house vacation
9) Toastmasters World Fantasy Con
10) NAACP Image Award nomination
So…dig. Find the ten best things from last year. Heck, find three little things to be proud of , happy about, and grateful for EVERY DAY, then at the beginning of the new week look back and list them. Remember: gratitude for what has happened in the past helps you build faith in the future.
Here are ten for last week.
Great conversation with my SW editor.
Jason having a successful college class
Wonderful houseguests for 4 days
High-level writer's Zoom
Golf with Nicki
Contract for 3 Gates Analog article
Great podcast
Major progress on Manila Passport issues
Gave myself permission to personalize the 15 minute Ashtanga
20 minute AXE kettlebell session
Can you see elements of body, emotions, and career there? I can. And you should look for SOMETHING to be grateful for in each arena, every day, every week, every month, every year. At the end of the year, choose your ten most powerful, strong enough to inspire and uplift.
Then…plan your day/week/month/year.
And remember: if you can't think of anything to be grateful for…you aren't thinking deeply enough.
Steve
