Entering a new year is like entering unchartered territory.  The fear of the unknown could cripple our capacity to take action. How do you respond when you are asked to do something that takes you into the territory of the unknown? The unknown is full of haunting ‘what ifs’ yet we are often called to chart unknown territory.  What is it like to give up things that provide security and pleasure often leaving us in the scary territory of unknown outcomes?   How can we persevere and stay in an unknown land, even when the lure of past comforts threatens to seduce us back to the comfort zone?  Yet stay and persevere we must if we are to navigate the currents of ‘the new normal’ and to sustain our organisations and ourselves in 2010 and beyond. 

A few days ago going to NCVO for a meeting proved tricky.  Going out of my door, I hit at least 10 inches of snow.  I felt like running back into the warmth, getting under the duvet and having a comfortable existence for the day.  Outside was slippery, cold and icy on the ungritted sidewalks.  The journey took twice as long as it normal.  Despite the adverse weather, people were warm, helpful, friendly and keen to lend a hand, calling out to fellow travellers to tread carefully.  We were warned of parts of the pavement to avoid or pot holes to watch out for.  We smiled at each other wishing ourselves well.  My aim?  To keep warm, keep safe and to look as professional as possible despite my numerous layers.  Luckily I had bought a pair of snow boots which were fashionable as well as functional.  I thanked my stars that this purchase was coming in handy. Happily, I arrived in time, feeling all loved up from the affection of those who travelling alongside me.

So what has this got to do with making resolutions and dealing with uncertainty in 2010?

I wondered what it was in the adverse weather that had created such a sense of connectedness and belonging.  Reflecting on this led me to resolve to find ways of connecting with others and where possible to act as glue no matter the circumstances or the situation.

Sticking with my intention to get to the meeting promptly resulted in my setting out much earlier than I normally would.  In the coming months, I resolved to be intentional about crafting and achieving my goals and conscious of what I am moving towards to be successful.

Keeping upright was critical to successfully arriving for my meeting in one piece.  I adopted strategies to keep out of trouble, My 2010 commitments centre on what I am moving away from (ie what I  must avoid) in order not to be derailed from my purpose.

Conscious about being equipped, my thermals, scarf, and hat and snow boots provided the conditions to stay focused.   I was armed with what I needed to keep in the heat and stay warm. My reflections drifted to what equipment I may need in 2010 to create the right conditions to achieve my goals.  What professional or personal development should I undertake?  What support networks should I access?  What wisdom accessing questions should I posit?

As we operate in unchartered territory there are benefits to doing something new, creative and fresh, being equipped, intentional about our goals, knowing what we are moving away from and moving towards.  The nurture, encouragement, and support of fellow travellers are nurturing and impactful in forging ahead and sustaining success.  Capture your dreams, engage your imagination and let it happen. Sometimes it may be falling forward to achieve them; it is the stepping out that counts   Best wishes for 2010!