If you read my post yesterday 98/100 Books read 2 to go you know I was reading Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I finished our Company Christmas zoom call, then closed up the home office. I made a cup of tea and sat in front of the fire. Charles Dickens could have had no idea it would be a Christmas must almost two centuries later.
The story is a tale about a miserly old man, who is visited on Christmas Eve by four spirits who force him to confront and overcome his selfish ways. But it is more than that, it is really a story of reflection, renewal and redemption. I finished the book a few hours ago and while its fresh in my mind I wanted to capture some lessons. I took 5 things from this festive classic that can be applied all year round:
- Engaged teams working together; Ebenezer turned his life around when his team came together to form an intervention. Engaged teams on focussed goals achieve more.
- Go back to the beginning; When you get lost or unsure of what matters; The beginning of Scrooge’s redemption starts with him remembering his passions and youthful enthusiasm. You started your career, relationships with an energy and positive attitude, don’t forget it.
- Being accountable for your mistakes, starts with you being aware of the consequences of your action or inaction. You must confront who you are and make a concerted effort to change.
- Being present is the start to a happier more fulfilling life. Throw open that window, feel the breeze on your face. Happiness is not in your yesterday or even your tomorrow but in your enjoyment of today and a series of ‘Today’s’.
- Don’t be afraid of starting again. It is never too late. Remember it’s either day one or one day you decide. People may laugh at you, comment on your new start but all good things get mocked at first, they will become believers if you believe.
Regardless of the business area you may work in. It might be banking, retail, publishing or even the life sciences software business, It doesn’t really matter because that is not the real business you should be in, What is the real business ? take it away Jacob Marley…
“Business!” cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
Jacob Marley
Sea's The Day 