Setting New Goals: Challenging The Status Quo

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“Why fit in when your are born to stand out?” -Dr. Seuss

As we bid 2017 farewell and welcome 2018, if you are anything like my husband and I, you are beginning to brainstorm and formulate new goals for the new year. We always set goals in multiple aspects of our life, from spiritual goals, to financial goals, to intellectual goals; we are always inspired to notch up our game. One of my goals this year is to dig a little deeper in helping myself and others that I mentor to develop their desire to change and grow. This means challenging mediocrity in all aspects. Questioning ‘why’ we do what we do and finding new ways to constantly make improvements. Out with ‘this is the way we’ve always done it,’ and in with ‘why do we operate like this and and how can we improve.’ As we grow and help others grow their entrepreneurial mindset, it allows us to see systems and processes from a different perspective.

After Reading the book “The Originals” by Adam Grant within the last couple months and studying some of his discussion points, he posed the question, “If you are challenging the status quo, what’s the worst that can happen?” He suggests that we all have original ideas, but often most don’t act on their ideas because they have a fear of being rejected. By seeing ourselves as super creative and non-conformists, we can provide insights on how to improve the world around us. For most people, it so much easier to be comfortable and the think inside the existing box, than to be uncomfortable and to redefine the box. Rules and systems are ultimately created by people; therefore, there’s always room for improvement. It is time to take risks and find your voice. I don’t know about you, but I am inspired to be a greater change agent!

While doing research and preparing to write this blog, I spent some time reading “Leadership: Challenging the Status Quo” by Lolly Daskal. She boldly states: “Leaders challenge the status quo to entice improvements. Organizations challenge the status quo to assemble advancements. People challenge the status quo to dig deeper into development.” We, as people, especially leaders, are encouraged to come to the table with new ideas. In 2018, I am encouraged to live life unapologetically bold.
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Speak out, step up and embrace change. If you feel like you are sheepishly moving though life, now is the time to make a change. We fill our minds with justifiable reasons and excuses for not making process improvements, both personally and professionally. But today is a new day and 2018 is a new year, and we can begin to optimize our life in all areas.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Brandon & Amanda