As we come to the end of another year, it’s good to spend some time reflecting on the past 12 months.
Unfortunately though, many of us spend the majority of that time berating ourselves for the things we would have, could have, or should have done.
I propose that this year, we turn that on its head.
I’ll start things off with Greater Springfield’s “would’ve, could’ve, should’ve” list for 2011:
Here it goes:
- We would’ve saved a lot of time, energy and sleepless nights if we hadn’t built the National Road Commons last year. But we went ahead and did it, creating a beautiful downtown green space that will be a catalyst for downtown redevelopment as we go into 2012.
- We could’ve given up on trying to encourage companies like Thirty One Gifts and others to expand their operations in Springfield. But we pursued them anyway and as a result saw them bring more than 1,000 new jobs to our community and hope to many families.
- We should’ve realized it would take a lot of extra work to get the Buy Springfield program off the ground. But with the leadership of Monte Zinn and the collaboration of dozens of local businesses and sponsors, we’ve seen this program grow to where it is going to make a significant economic impact in our community.
Now it’s your turn to make your list:
For example:
- Could you have taken shortcuts with your company this year but decided instead to do the right thing for your employees or employer and yourself?
- Would you have enjoyed sitting on the couch and watching hours of television every evening, but decided instead to push yourself out the door to exercise?
- Should you have known it would be hard work to give excellent customer service this year but gave it anyway and saw your business grow?
As we enter this week of gift giving, I hope you’ll give yourself the gift of forgiveness for what you didn’t get done this year. Spend time with your family and count your blessings.
You’ll have plenty of time to start a new list in 2012.
From our Chamber family to yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
