It’s a new year. For many of us, that means setting resolutions. I am a big goal-setter, and so for me, that typically means setting a number of personal and professional goals. I am currently reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Clear stresses the importance of “identity” in changing behavior. In terms of defining goals or habits, we often focus on desired conduct, actions, or outcomes. “This year, I will quit smoking,” would be an example. Clear suggests that there may be a better way to attack that objective. When offered or tempted by a cigarette, he suggests that a more effective response is to say (or think), “I’m not a smoker.” By focusing on WHO we want to be instead of WHAT we want to do, desired conduct is more likely to occur.
That makes sense to me. At Gomez Trial Attorneys, we have written core values. They define WHO we want to be. We measure everything we do by those core values. And it works really well. And so this year, instead of focusing on resolutions or goals, I wrote out my own personal core values. Collectively, they define WHO I want to be in the coming year. I will share them with you here for two reasons. First, perhaps they will inspire you to define who you want to be in the coming year by creating your own core values. Second, I know that each of you will hold me accountable. Accountability, of course, is always a good thing. And so, my 2020 core values follow:
- I always do the right thing.
- I am the best husband, father, son and friend I can be.
- I win in every aspect of my life.
- I am a leader.
- I help others without expectation.
- I treat every person I encounter with empathy, respect and love.
Pretty simple right? But if I do (or am) each of these things, I will accomplish every single thing I want to accomplish in the coming year. And more importantly, I will BE exactly who I want to be. So if you like how all this sounds, set aside a couple of hours. Think about all the things you want to do. And who you want to be. And where you can improve. Define your own core values for the coming year, print them out, and place them where you can’t miss them. That’s exactly my plan. Do that and I know together we can make 2021 our best year yet. And make this year’s version of us the best one yet as well. If this causes even one of you to reflect and improve, I will be a very happy guy (See # 4, 5 and 6 above). 😊 Let’s have an awesome year!
