Each of us has our own version of Groundhog Day, repeating the same behaviors over and over and getting the same, less than satisfying results.  But do you recognize your own unique, less than desirable version of yourself that keeps repeating itself?

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=msturgell&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000Z8GZYW&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrUnfortunately, we don’t get the opportunity to examine and correct our behaviors until we get them right – all in one day.  We do have the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves over time, as did Phil Connors, the Bill Murray character in this beloved American movie.  We can achieve the same results – if we learn the same lessons with focused intention and practice of the same principles over many days.

The Groundhog Day Principles

1. I must be cognizant of my behaviors and the effect I have on others.
2. I must acknowledge the results I really want, rather than just rationalize the results I am currently producing.
3. I must awaken each day with the desire to “get it right.”
4. I must have compassion for others needs.
5. I must understand my basic, shared purpose in life is to somehow add value to the lives of others, even in my day-to-day, mundane actions.
6. I must identify the attitudes that underlie my behavior and practice new attitudes repeatedly. My right attitudes will drive new positive behaviors that take me closer to my goals and to a better version of myself.
7. I must develop new relationship skills, ones that edify others rather than glorify myself.
8. I must watch and listen carefully to recognize the opportunity for good that my relationships and daily circumstances present for me.
9. I must invest myself in getting to know people, really know and understand them as unique individuals.
10. I must rush to take action that will benefit my neighbors.

These are truly transformative principals that produce an “early spring” for leaders, regardless of tenure, status or experience.  Collectively, the principles may be overwhelming. They may be difficult to attend to consistently and out of habit right away. So I’ll give you a place to begin.

Practice Principle #5 daily and the rest will follow. Seek the countless, moment-to-moment daily opportunities to serve and add value to the lives around you and your life will change. You will produce new, better results. You will discover your unique sense of deep Purpose. You will feel great because you simply “opened the door” for someone else. Your relationships will improve, as will the esteem others have for you.  You will discover what you really want, and find yourself producing those ends more often.

Soon you will wake up to a new day at The Intersection of Purpose and Now.