A Challenge: New Year’s Letter
In just a few days, on October 1st, we’ll begin the final quarter of the year. If we were running the mile on our high school track, this would be the last lap of 2016. And per usual, these final months will go quickly.
Seasons will change.
Kids will get inundated with activities.
Goals and quotas will stare you in the face.
Holiday plans will be discussed.
Family will come and go.
Before you know it, it will be January 1st, 2017.
But before the pace quickens and we get there, I’m going to ask you to pause.
In fact, I’m inviting you into a new small challenge called New Year’s Letters. The challenge is simple:
Handwrite a letter to yourself that you will open on January 1st. The letter is due by the end of day on October 1st. Seal it in an envelope and keep it somewhere safe.
That’s it.
Well, mostly. Here are a few more details to help give this some shape:
1) Schedule time to write the letter between now and Saturday. 30-60 minutes should do.
2) Handwrite the letter. Get off your computer/phone. Grab a pen and piece of paper. Handwritten letters are always more fun, especially when it’s your handwriting.
3) Place your letter in an envelope. On the front of the envelope, write Dear ____(your name)______. And the words “Do not open until January 1st, 2017.”
But what should I write about?
There are no limitations here. The audience is you. What do you want to remember about your year thus far? What have you seen? Who have you met? How have you changed? What do you wish were different? What have you celebrated recently? Where do you hope to be this time next year?
Compile all of those memories, thoughts, and bits of wisdom before the year speeds to an end. Use the sunlight of the Summer and the freshness of the Fall to capture important words before the cold takes over and the noise of “resolutions” rises. Then, as you start 2017, you’ll have your own words as clues and guides for your next step.
If you choose to participate in this little experiment, can you leave your name/email address here: bit.ly/newyearsletter? I’ll send a quick reminder this Saturday and again on January 1st.
Alright, schedule those 30 minutes.
I’ll be doing this one with you.
Victor