Context 2008: Acknowledgement

Added by Jacob, 10 months ago.

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At the beginning of each year I set myself a theme, a focus point or guiding purpose for what I want to achieve this year and how I want to feel.

This isn't a laborious or detailed exercise. Being a ‘feeler', I usually sit on the idea for a few weeks (after my November birthday, where I document some specific plans for the coming 12 months) and the word or phrase comes to me.

What seemed awkward, even nonsensically new-age at first, quickly demonstrated how powerful it was in my life. I declared 2005 as ‘the year the Magic happens'; looking for a career move several months later, imagine my surprise when my new position in May began with a ‘Create the Magic' national conference!

This year the theme that I arrived at is ‘Acknowledgement'. Some big things will happen in my life this year - my role with Shirlaws is heading into good times, I've just finished renovating my house, and I'm thrilled to be marrying the love of my life this coming Spring. There's plenty of acknowledgement coming through.

Interestingly enough, however, as a theme ‘Acknowledgement' can be a trap. If I focus on it too much, I won't deliver the true value for which I would deservedly receive thanks and praise. It's easy with an outcome focus like this to ignore the bigger issues, particularly with clients, in pursuit of the quick hits and instant gratification.

So Acknowledgement will sit as my theme for 2008, but I won't dwell on it. Instead, my energies will be devoted to the actions I do that will truly achieve positive results in my life.

Acknowledgement will follow. And it will be far more satisfying because of it.

Have you set your theme for 2008?

Comments

There are currently 9 comments about this blog.

adean, 10 months ago

All of the comments have given me a great steer. I've now selected a context of consolidation/patience. I expect all of you to remind me of that when I stray from the path! Thanks everyone.

Jacob Aldridge, 10 months ago

Thanks to everyone for their input, particularly Abray who makes a good point I didn't: in order to be acknowledged, first I should seek to acknowledge others, and having begun that already I can confirm it feels great!

Abray, 10 months ago

I've created a context of Easy for 2008. I agree with Tim specifically and the first thought that sprung to mind was so what acknowledgements do you need to make? typically we expect a like response when we say thank you / or an acknowledgement. Certainly in England we have the thankyou dance culturally one of the biggest things that struck me was putting something out there specifically to acknowledge the person without expecting some form of reply. It was a huge learning on why I had previously given thanks and acknowledgement. Enjoy 2008.

Ryan Gibson, 10 months ago

I have decided to run a context of 'love' this year - I completeley agree with your comment that at first ot feels strange, but already I am noticing a big difference in all my relationships, from my close family to the local butchers!

JATFK, 10 months ago

ContexT simple excercise for all the THINKERS write down the 3 things you a very good at ...write down the three things you are not good at ...then pick you're best and worst... one of those is your CONTEXT? don't pick the easy one !JA

tcooper, 10 months ago

I've found that when I choose a context myself there's a natural tendency to actually select an "outcome" not a source. But, this can be a helpful process, that is, select an outcome you'd like to achieve, for example "better relationships or more revenue", and then look to see what is preventing you from having that in your life. If you can see that "block" as the current context you are running, then select a different context that would produce more of the result you want. Often, for me, choosing a context for a year is the equivalent of my saying, "this is what I want to learn most"

Tim Dwyer, 10 months ago

Andrea, I'm much like you and choosing a context is sometimes difficult. What I have found to be useful is not to try and answer the question consciously. I simply ask myself the question "what would be a good context for me this year?" and leave it alone. In other words don't spend too much time 'thinking' about it. But give it time, Jacob mentioned that he leaves it a few weeks, and what often happens is the answer will present itself.

Jacob Aldridge, 10 months ago

That's a fairly common question. Similar to some of the Vision exercises I do with clients, for Thinkers or those who get stuck I would suggest spending time deciding more tangible goals (eg, generating $x more revenue this year, moving house this year) and then asking yourself how this would make you feel. That feeling can be an 'anchor' you hold onto all year. What other problems or tips do people have?

adean, 10 months ago

Hi Jacob. I am a solid Thinker, so I must admit I get totally bogged down in the 'setting a context' exercise. I have to think through all the possibilities and outcomes, and I get lost. Too much information! Any suggestions on how I can work through this?