In two days, the month of Elul will end.  Five years ago, on the first day of Elul, I described the process of self-assessment.   Today we are 28 days into the 40 day period of determining how we can make our lives- and the lives of others- better.  (You can also search for Elul in the index to the left and see more of my thoughts on this “resolution-making” period.)

I have been very busy discerning things I can do to improve over the past few weeks.  You know, you don’t have to be Jewish to do this- after all, we all need to evaluate where we all routinely- and plan how to become better still.

Rosh Hashana (translated as New Year; it actually is the first day of the month of Tishrei) begins this Sunday night.  The holiday means it’s the end of Elul.  So, by then, we’ll have just 10 days to complete our self-assessments, to determine what changes we should effect, and what we can do to help others.  It’s all part of Tikun Olam, leaving this world just a little better off because we walked upon it’s surface.

In case you are at a loss, here are some basic questions we should consider…

What do we really want to see happen for us next year?  Not just one thing- but two, three, or four.  (And, despite the cachet, winning the lottery doesn’t count as a valid choice!)  But, it’s not just listing two to four goals- we need to list two or three small steps for each of those goals that we will make- NOW, not tomorrow.  If we don’t make concrete plans, then our list is simply a dream, not the reality we desire before the next Elul rolls around.

What are we really afraid may occur for us in the next year?  If you are like me, this is the easiest thing.  Because there are a whole bunch of them.  But, like our goals, we should  limit this assessment to the two or three most likely problems.  We want to devote our time and effort to stave them off.

And, we must remember that every big task always gets completed by making the little steps.   And, that’s what this exercise is for- to find those little steps to insure we make progress.

As last year, my list includes financial changes,  helping my smaller clients become the bigger ventures of which they dream, and work with firms to teach them how to develop products, processes, and ventures successfully.   Without sacrificing the time I devote to my family and friends.

If you are like me- this list should be put to paper (or computer).  So we can continually return to it and ensure that we are making progress- or adjust our sails to do so.

May you be inscribed in the book of life.  And, have a glass of wine on me.  (Remember- I did explain that alcohol study the end of last month!)

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