Business Marketing Magazine Summer 2017 December 2015 The best of 2015 | Page 15

As we enter December, I want to say “Kudos” to my fellow business professionals and
entrepreneurs. Most of you have more than
survived 2015, and you will be celebrating the
upcoming 2016 with gusto. Getting to where
you are today has probably not been without
its trials… and errors. But, like most of us, you
have learned from your mistakes and enjoyed
successes.
What, specifically, have you learned this past
year? What events are noteworthy? What
would you want to tell someone so they could
profit from your experiences?

You Have a Story to Tell
Often we get so caught up in our every day
routines that we forget to look back at the
events that have gotten us to where you are
today. What events occurred this past year
that have contributed to your success? To answer that question, make December a month
of reflection.
Here are a few questions you might consider:
Who has supported you during the past year?
Your spouse? A mentor, colleague or business
coach? A religious leader? A friend or neighbor?
The list is endless. Who would you list as
members of your support team?
What difficulties have you faced and how did
you overcome them? Were finances a struggle? Did you have family situations you had to
deal with? Have you had a difficult time reaching your business goals?
Once you have identified the trials you endured, list the steps you took to overcome

them. Save your list for future recollection.
What successes have you enjoyed? Did you
have a child graduate from high school or college? Did you make some business decisions
that had a positive effect on your job? Have
you reached personal goals you set for yourself?
As you reflected on these items, I’m sure
more thoughts came to your mind of things
that had both a positive and negative impact
on you. I encourage you to capture those
thoughts by writing or recording them so you
can share them with your others.

Share Your Story

I often hear people say, “Who would want to
read about the things I have done in my life?”
To them I respond, “The people you love and
whom love and respect you.” Your children
and grandchildren will want to know what
learn more about you and the values you hold
true. Your posterity can learn from your experiences.
Winston Churchill once said, “Those who fail
to learn from history are doomed to repeat
it.” By sharing your life stories with your child
and grandchildren you can help them endure
the hard times in their lives. Your stories can
help to strengthen their resolve in trying times
and provide solutions to similar problems.
Sharing your life stories allows your posterity
to know you better and to gain a respect for
who you are. Your life stories will provide
them with a legacy that is more than the fame
or fortune you may have achieved, it is the life
you have lived.