Bruce Brady
September can be a transitional month for many. This month is synonymous with change. The final months of the calendar year signify shifts in the environment and, for most people, in day-to-day life. Here in North America, September means the transformation from long, hot days that give way to chilly nights. Trees drop their leaves faster than squirrels can collect their acorns. As the days grow shorter and the air wafts with Starbucks' Pumpkin latte bouquets, it's a good time to reflect and prepare for the approaching winter. For many, this natural shift fosters a sense of renewal. For school-aged children and their parents, September means the dreaded back-to-school routine, where mornings usually start with alarm clocks, searching for socks and homework, and a dash out the door to catch the school bus.
Even corporations resume their insane tempo in the fall. In the year's final quarter, the sense of urgency for projects no one cared about before Labor Day rears its ugly face. Numbers need to be met, and goals need to be achieved. For some bosses, this period means preparing end-of-year evaluations, resetting goals higher for next year using fewer resources, and sketching out projects for January to justify their jobs.
For some corporate workers, September often inspires introspection. As the year begins its final stretch, many people take stock of their accomplishments and setbacks. It's a time to reflect on the personal goals set at the beginning of the year. Did you make an impact with your job? Did you get a promotion? Did that crazy boss resign?
Some may use this time to recalibrate and set new objectives for the remaining months. In contrast, others might focus on preparing for a new future.
Some hit the job boards, while others start Googling franchise opportunities. In my own life, I have found that nothing changes or gets better unless I make a change.
Einstein famously said "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and getting the same result, but expecting a different one." I like to say that if you expect things to change without changing yourself, you are addicted to Hopium.
What is Hopium?
Hopium is a mindset in which the afflicted person hopes things will change or get better in their life or business without doing anything to bring about a change.
How do you know if you're addicted to Hopium? That is easy. Symptoms include a low grade of frustration permeating your everyday life. The days will seem endless, and your job satisfaction will wane. Ultimately, you may receive inadequate evaluations at work and possibly face termination.
Don't be a Hopium addict. You were meant for more!
