Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
If you read my column on a regular basis you know I touch a lot on being intentional in our lives. If you happened to catch the last “edition” you know I wrote about it again as we prepared for a new year.
Even though the upheaval of the last three years has settled down, to a large extent there is still uncertainty and anxiousness around us.
There seems to be a constant state of waiting and wondering for too many of us. But having acknowledged that, let’s not dwell on the things we can’t change, but rather on things we can. Let’s not constantly think about what we can’t achieve, but what we can. I look around me and see so many people in need, so many issues that need to be addressed and problems that need to be solved. It can be overwhelming to say the least.
So, it’s a good time to be reminded that with so much of our world seemingly out of our control, let’s focus on the one thing that we can control; ourselves. You want to see change? You want to make an impact? Work on yourself first. If you are married, you are responsible to your spouse and if you have children you are responsible to your children. On the job, you are responsible to your boss, but the number one person you are responsible for is YOU! Make no mistake. It takes effort. Ask any leader and if they are honest he or she will tell you that the hardest person in the world to lead is themselves.
So, how do we navigate the whirlwind? It starts with each one of us making a commitment to be the change we want to see. Sounds like a cliche, but it’s much more than that. This month is always the traditional time to set goals and aspirations for the year ahead and even though we are half way through January, it’s not too late. Start with a number one goal of setting yourself on the path to improvement and growth and watch your progress and achievement leak into those around you. My challenge to you and me today is to take some time to really think through how we want this year to look when we look back in December of 2023 There are things all around us that we have little or no control over, but there are so many other things we can control and affect. Start with YOU and watch as things around you begin to change as well.
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
