By the power vested in me by the great state of Missouri…I know pronounce you husband and wife. Let’s seal the deal with a kiss!
As the last word rolled off my tongue, Mike and Shelli kissed as if it was their first time. Fifteen years of dating did not impede their passion. Roars from the crowd filled the stadium as if Stan Musial had just hit a home run.
I stood grinning at home plate of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, soaking everything in. I had just officiated a wedding in a major league ballpark. The smiles on the entire wedding parties’ faces said it all…we all felt fortunate to be part of this special event.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a good time to reflect on the past 365 days and set goals for the upcoming year. During this process, I write down three to five accomplishments that make me proud. Mine usually fall into one of three categories: hunting, personal life, and work. The purpose of this exercise is not to brag. Instead, the intention is to get myself excited about the upcoming year and serve as a reminder that I can accomplish great things if I set my mind to it. It also gives me an opportunity to be grateful for the people in my life and reinforces that things are not that bad.
Marrying Mike and Shelli topped my 2017 list. I have attended several weddings throughout my life. I am always honored to be part of someone’s special day whether it is being a best man, groomsman, usher, or ambassador of fun. However, this was the first time anyone asked me to conduct the actual ceremony. I cannot help but wonder why they chose me. Maybe it is because I said I would when I had one too many beers. Maybe it’s because they think I have sweet public speaking skills. Or maybe they knew I would poor my heart into the ceremony to make sure their special day was one to remember. I would like to thank Mike and Shelli for trusting in me.
Click Here to watch a high light video from the event .
Here is my entire list for 2017:
1. Marrying Mike and Shelley
2. Getting to experience Ireland with Stephanie
3. Going antelope hunting with my Dad in Wyoming
4. Finishing the marathon, even when by body said to quit
I do not measure success in dollars or inches of antlers. Instead, I measure success by creating memories that I can share with friends and family for years to come.
How Does This Apply to Business
The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is a strange time for business, especially if you are in sales. There is a scramble to get sales in before the end of the year to hit goals and earn bonuses. Yet we all know on January 1st the scoreboard resets and we all start off at zero. All this comes with the job. However, I like to stop and reflect on what I accomplished at work throughout the year.
Being in the insurance industry, I look at benchmarks in addition to the sales number. I evaluate my success based on the number families’ financial future I protected. The number of agents I helped advance their career. And the number of days I lived up to my potential at work. By reframing what I do I am reminded that I truly do impact people’s lives.
It is never too late to do this exercise. Find a quiet place and take 30 minutes to answer the following questions:
1. What did I accomplish during the past year that I am the most proud of
2. Why was this important to me
This exercise will help clear your mind before setting your 2018 goals (next weeks blog will be on goal setting).
Happy New Year! Remember…You’re going to have to earn it.