Over the last few years there’s been a lot of talk about bucket lists – lists of things you would like to do while you have the chance. Influenced by the Rob Reiner movie of the same name staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, people have started thinking about what they would like to tick off their bucket list before they die. Making a bucket list ties in with the idea of living every moment – thinking clearly about your life and what you would like to do with the time you have.
As businesspeople we make business plans and we set goals, however we don’t often extend this to the point of creating a bucket list that encompasses all our dreams. Take a moment to think about your own ambitions and desires for your life. Think about your business: what are your dream clients? What would you ideally like to have happen with your business in five years’ time – and in the longer term?
By thinking about the big picture and considering your dreams, you can begin to recognise things that previously you may have believed were out of your reach. Write these hopes and aspirations down. These could be a perfect jumping off point for your 60 seconds. By articulating your ambitions in this way and putting them across to an audience, you never know what could eventuate.
There could be someone in your chapter who is able to connect you with your dream client, or start you on a path to finding them. In any event, it is a great opportunity to think big and demonstrate to your fellow members what your plans for growth and development are for the next few years. Gertrude Stein once said: “Silent gratitude isn’t very much to anyone” – speak up positively about your business and what you have to offer.
Speaking of gratitude, Hospice Awareness Week is coming up this week, 11-18 May. As a national initiative, hospices throughout New Zealand will participate in different events. This week is about raising awareness of hospice services in the community – helping people to understand the ways in which hospice services provide care and support for people with a life limiting condition.
The motto for Hospice Awareness Week is ‘living every moment’ and it’s a great time to pause and give thanks for all the good that hospice does and also think about whether we are living every moment to its fullest. Take some time to give gratitude and think about what matters to you. Discuss this with those closest to you: your family and friends, and share with them what you value, what you appreciate and what makes you happy – people, experiences or possessions.
