5 Life Lessons from 2018

By R.A. Megargel

My father was and is an amazing cook. I’ve always admired how each meal was a masterpiece. Growing up he cooked with such finesse. The flavors were spot on and the timing was perfect. His best category in the kitchen was soup. He taught me that the best soups are the ones that get better the longer they cook. The flavors come together and create something that is just amazing. Each spoonful leaves you wanting more. Life can do the same thing if you allow it. The following ideas are things that 2018 has taught me. The lessons learned connect to life and leadership. Like a great soup, it’s always better when you can share it with others. So I’m opening up to share some of the wisdom I’ve let simmer.

1. Success has a Recipe
​There is no substitute for hard work. In order for you or anyone to reach your dreams, you have to work at it. But there’s something to be said for working smarter not harder. The major lesson here is that success has a recipe. There’s a formula to solve every problem. The issue most of us face is finding the right formula or tool for our problem. We go with what has always worked, and what’s worked in the past may not work for the future.

Before we get too deep into 2019, start set some new goals for yourself or with the ones you love. Once you decide your destination, consider what you’ll need to accomplish that goal. Consider who you’ll need on your team. Like a world-class surgeon, have all of you tools laid out in front of you before you make the first move. Diagnose any problems that arise and find the right way to overcome them. Success starts with thoughtful preparation.

2. Don’t Put an Expiration Date on Friendships
Life happens. We grow older and make choices. Some choices lead us to new destinations. Some hold us in place. Some help us grow and others haunt us. The lesson I’m learning is that friendships don’t have to have an expiration date. They don’t have to end just because life happens. It’s okay to pick up where you left off. Forgiveness may be needed to patch some things up but that’s okay.

I’ve gone through various stages in life. Each one has been different and has challenged me to sacrifice. Often I’ve sacrificed time with friends. The relationships that once were extremely close seem to be miles away. As a father now, responsibility calls me more than my friends do. I challenge myself and I challenge you to reach out in an attempt to restore friendships from the past. 2019 can bring so many blessings if we let it. Every blessing has a beginning so take some small steps today to make things better.

3. Leadership Begins with Your Thoughts
Thoughts precede behavior. Therefore, if you’re going to lead yourself or others you must consider changing the way you think. A change in thought will lead to a change in behavior and ultimately a different outcome.

Analyze your thoughts. What are you saying to yourself? How is that impacting your success? How is that helping or hurting your relationships?

4. Quit Sitting and Start Doing
You sow what you reap. And what you don’t sow, you can’t reap. So quit sitting and start doing! There’s really no excuse for a lack of assertiveness on your end. I may be speaking to you but I’m also honestly speaking to myself! If you’re in charge and have the power to change things, what’s stopping you from taking action? Whether it’s in the office or in the home, you can make more of a difference than you think you can!

5. Out Dream This Season of Your Life
Take a second to look at the life around you. Where you currently are is a product of the choices you’ve made thus far. Now, take a moment to dream about where you could be or want to be in the future. It important to out dream this season of life. Be intentional about setting new goals and challenging yourself. Life has more to offer if you’re willing to go for it! Don’t lose the optimism that got you here but rather build on it! With a bit of elbow grease you can achieve your dreams!

R.A. Megargel