Forget the resolutions, commit to building a better world

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Many people like to start each new year with good intentions and resolutions. However, research shows that most of us will have given up on our resolutions by mid January!

So how about starting the year with a single commitment – to work for the common good and make the world a better place for you, your family, friends and work colleagues.

Such a commitment can relate to any local or global challenge we are facing, perhaps even one of the 4 main challenges that blight our world today:

  • the reduction of carbon emissions and the alarming risks of unprecedented global warming,
  • the fast growing problem of packaging and non-biodegradable pollutants, including plastics poisoning our oceans, planet and our food chain, and
  • global poverty and growing income inequality in much of the developed and developing economies
  • the dramatic decline of the world’s population of wild animals

This commitment can be small or large, local or international, direct or indirect. However, if every one of the billions of people on this planet made such a commitment, imagine how much we could improve the planet and our quality of life by the end of 2019.

There are also important personal benefits you will achieve from making such a commitment:

People who give to others achieve lasting happiness

Research has shown that people who are generous with their time and resources and share these with others are happier than those who don’t.

Greater sense of meaning and purpose

Many people don’t get a great deal of meaning or sense of purpose from their jobs. This can lead to a sense of alienation and disconnection from the world around them. They fall into a trap of daily drudgery and feel helpless to change their circumstances.

By taking action to influence the world around you for the better, you will once again realise that having a positive mindset is your choice and you can make a difference by being positive, proactive and powerful. This positive mindset will start permeating other aspects of your life and allow you to make choices you otherwise thought were impossible, like changing that job you hate or reconnecting with a friend or loved one you’ve fallen out with.

New friends and connections

Working for the common good will almost certainly bring you into contact with new people and organizations, either virtually or physically. At a time when many people have very limited networks outside of work and their own immediate family, expanding your social connections can provide numerous benefits including broader perspective and opportunities to learn about people who are different from you, fun, relaxation, inspiration and emotional support when you need it most.

Rather than loading pressure on yourself to meet unrealistic resolutions in 2019, ditch them entirely in favour of a strong commitment to build a better, happier world. This will provide you with a stronger connection to others and the world around you, prepare you to take on inevitable challenges during the year and help you outperform against any goals you set for yourself. Working for the common good will enable you to find more purpose, passion and performance in your work and personal life.



About the Author

James Brook
Founder and MD | Leadership Consultant | Organizational Psychologist

James is a leadership consultant, organizational psychologist and executive coach. He has over 25 years’ experience working with leaders, teams and organizations globally to optimize their performance, talent and future success. He specializes in positive leadership, thriving workplaces, collaboration and influencing, organizational change and transformation, accelerating innovation and coaching executives and leaders in innovative sectors including Tech, Digital, E-commerce and Life Sciences.

Before setting up Plexus Leadership, James held leadership roles in HR and Talent Management in the UK and abroad with companies such as NatWest, Yahoo! and Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals. After this, he founded and led several talent and leadership consulting and assessment businesses, including Strengthscope®, an online strengths assessment and development business serving a wide range of UK and global clients. James grew this venture into a global market leader before selling the business in 2018.

James has supported, advised and coached leaders and teams globally across diverse industries and geographies. Clients he has worked with include Allen & Overy, Commvault, Equinor, Facebook, GSK, Hilton, John Lewis, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NHS, Oracle, Sainsbury’s, Swiss Re, Tesco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, WSP and Yahoo!.

James has a Master’s in Organizational Psychology, an MBA, an Advanced Diploma in Executive Coaching and a Harvard Business qualification in Sustainable Business Strategy. He is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Association of Business Psychologists and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD). He is currently undertaking a PhD in Organizational Psychology examining the start-up experiences of Tech and Digital entrepreneurs.

James is a regular contributor and speaker on leadership, coaching, innovative talent management and the future of work. His most recent book, Optimize Your Strengths, explores how leaders can create thriving workplaces by inspiring and supporting people to optimize their potential and teamwork to deliver breakthrough results.

Contact us now for an obligation free chat.


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