Forget the resolutions, commit to building a better world
Many people like to start each new year with good intentions and resolutions. However, research shows that most of us will have given up on our resolutions by mid January!
So how about starting the year with a single commitment — to work for the common good and make the world a better place for you, your family, friends and work colleagues.
Such a commitment can relate to any local or global challenge we are facing, perhaps even one of the 4 main challenges that blight our world today:
- the reduction of carbon emissions and the alarming risks of unprecedented global warming,
- the fast growing problem of packaging and non-biodegradable pollutants, including plastics poisoning our oceans, planet and our food chain, and
- global poverty and growing income inequality in much of the developed and developing economies
- the dramatic decline of the world’s population of wild animals
This commitment can be small or large, local or international, direct or indirect. However, if every one of the billions of people on this planet made such a commitment, imagine how much we could improve the planet and our quality of life by the end of 2019.
There are also important personal benefits you will achieve from making such a commitment:
People who give to others achieve lasting happiness
Research has shown that people who are generous with their time and resources and share these with others are happier than those who don’t.
Greater sense of meaning and purpose
Many people don’t get a great deal of meaning or sense of purpose from their jobs. This can lead to a sense of alienation and disconnection from the world around them. They fall into a trap of daily drudgery and feel helpless to change their circumstances.
By taking action to influence the world around you for the better, you will once again realise that having a positive mindset is your choice and you can make a difference by being positive, proactive and powerful. This positive mindset will start permeating other aspects of your life and allow you to make choices you otherwise thought were impossible, like changing that job you hate or reconnecting with a friend or loved one you’ve fallen out with.
New friends and connections
Working for the common good will almost certainly bring you into contact with new people and organizations, either virtually or physically. At a time when many people have very limited networks outside of work and their own immediate family, expanding your social connections can provide numerous benefits including broader perspective and opportunities to learn about people who are different from you, fun, relaxation, inspiration and emotional support when you need it most.
Rather than loading pressure on yourself to meet unrealistic resolutions in 2019, ditch them entirely in favour of a strong commitment to build a better, happier world. This will provide you with a stronger connection to others and the world around you, prepare you to take on inevitable challenges during the year and help you outperform against any goals you set for yourself. Working for the common good will enable you to find more purpose, passion and performance in your work and personal life.
About the Author
Leadership Consultant | Executive Coach | Business Psychologist
James has over 25 years’ experience working with leaders and organizations internationally to optimize their performance, talent and future success. He has worked with leaders from diverse sectors, countries and cultures. Clients have included Commvault, Equinor, Gilead Sciences, GSK, PhotoBox, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Oracle, Sainsbury’s, Swiss Re, Tesco, Yahoo! and WSP.
James has set-up and successfully grown several of his own businesses, including Strengthscope®, a global strengths assessment and consulting business. As Joint Founder and MD, he grew Strengthscope® into a market leader before selling his stake in the business in 2018.
James is a regular speaker on leadership, coaching, assessing and developing talent and the future of work. He has contributed a wide range of publications in these areas. His most recent book, Optimize Your Strengths, explores how leaders can transform their organizations by inspiring people to shine and deliver exceptional results.
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