How to Use an Empty Jar to Make You Smile

New Year’s began at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1 in most countries.  However, the Chinese New Year follows a different schedule.  January 28, 2017, is the date for the Chinese New Year, which – in 2017 – ushers in the year of the Rooster and lasts until Feb. 15, 2018.

The Rooster is the sign of dawn and awakening, meaning that triumph and success can only be achieved at the price of hard work and patience in 2017.  While this might seem daunting and heavy at first, upon further reflection, I think we all know that anything in life worth having is worth working for.

Colin Powell, an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army, sums it up nicely, saying, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”  From my experience writing my first book and single-handedly launching a global speaking business this past year, I can assure you that Mr. Powell is correct.

I think many people are capable of hard work, but fall short when they do not take time out to pause, smell the roses, reflect on the results of that hard work, and celebrate the success.  If you work tirelessly for months on a project and quickly move on to the next project without taking a moment to recognize your hard work and success, you have missed an opportunity to re-energize and feel a sense of accomplishment – critical factors in a person’s ability to keep on keeping on.

Be Awesome.  This weekend, why not buy an empty jar and fill it with notes of good things that happen to you in 2017 and your personal achievements.  Then, next New Year’s Eve, or on a day when you need a pick me up, empty the jar and read about all the awesome things happening in your life.  Focusing on the positive and reflecting on the fruits of your labor will position you to achieve even more amazing things in the future.  I’m buying my jar today.