24-Jan / 0 COMMENTS

The Chinese New Year begins this year on the 25^th of January, the year of the White Metal Rat.

 

Ever wonder how such a lowly seeming creature made the Chinese Zodiac roster?  A popular version of the story has it that the Jade Emperor, the great ruler of heaven and earth held a race for the animals to determine the order of the twelve-year cycle. This Great Race, however, included crossing a big river. When faced with this obstacle, the Rat who had no river crossing skills, did not give up. He was determined to finish the race. First place if possible.

 

So, the rat considered possible options, sized up the competition, then chose the diligent and kind-hearted Ox to ride upon its back to cross the river. Upon crossing the river, the rat jumped off and dashed to finish first place. The Jade Emperor marveled at the kindness of the Ox and granted Ox the second place. Good natured Ox did not begrudge the ambitious rat and even now, the Ox and rat are good friends.

 

This is the part that tickles me about the story as I consider my own goals and plans for the year – that I find this creature imbedded in the word st-RAT-e-gy; the clever little mammal who used one to optimize its chance in the Great Race of the Chinese Zodiac. The Oxford dictionary defines strategy this way: A method or plan chosen to bring about a desired future, such as achievement of a goal or solution to a problem. 

 

To recap:

1. Rat had a desired future, a goal of finishing the race.
2. Faced an obstacle to achieving its goal, namely the river.
3. Considered available options to get over the obstacle.
4. Devised a plan to overcome the obstacle – engaged a friend, the ox, known for kindness and diligence.
5. Executed the plan and finished.
6. Bonus – optimized its plan and finished in first place.

 

To quote Peter Drucker, the Austrian born American management consultant, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  How will You create yours?

 

A question as we move into the new year …Did you start January with any goals?  How are you doing three weeks in?

 

What is your strategy for your Great Race in 2020?

May I suggest:

Slow down; resist the urge to get set, go! Take a beat to identify what is most important to you.

Tend to what matters; pay attention. To yourself. Know that self care = self love.

Release; exhale, let go of what no longer serves. Repeat.

Accept what is. Then aspire to a higher level.

Train; your body mind and spirit. Repeat.

Enjoy; eat, exercise, learn new things, meditate, pray.

Grace; allow some for yourself and others when challenges show up.

Yield; reap the ROI – the return on investing in yourself.

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Wishing you great health, balance and harmony!

Let’s begin this year with a strategy for best self care.

 

 

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