Being First

By Janet Christensen

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi

“Being first” – now there is a provocative phrase. It can mean varied and different things, depending on your perspective. Being first can mean winning a contest of some kind. It can mean putting yourself at the top of the list and ensuring that you look after your own needs. Being first can mean getting away from the “to do” lists and activities and taking reflective, quiet time to nurture your spirit. After all, we are human beings, not human doings. There is so much to write about being first that I am indeed in the process of writing a book on the topic. However, the focus of this article is being first in the sense that you will see it when you believe it.

As a coach and facilitator, I have the privilege of working with people who see greater potential for themselves and are prepared to make that happen. This potential is as varied and unique as the individuals with whom I work. Whether the person is working on personal, business, career, spiritual, relationship, or any other area there is one thing that is key to achieving his or her potential and that is being that person first.

In this context, being first is acting the part of the person you aspire to be. For example, if you are a small at-home entrepreneur and you want to be a successful business person, then behave like one, conduct your business professionally, use professional material, dress for success. If you want to be a leaner and fitter you, then be that person with your food choices and be the person who makes time to exercise on a regular basis. If you want to eliminate your credit card debt, then be that responsible person when you choose what to purchase and how to spend your money. If you want to have more loving, nurturing relationships in your life, then be a loving and nurturing person.

I believe that when we have a dream, a goal, a vision, then we have the power to create it. When we long for something, we must know it at some level to be able to long for it. We cannot long for something we do not know. The key is not to wait for some benchmark achievement to decide that you can be the person you aspire to be. At some level, you are already that person you aspire to be. You do not need to wait to be all you can be. The key is to be that person now, today, in this moment. Being first.

Janet Christensen’s passion is to empower people to live their full potential. Through her company, Unlimiting Potential, she provides personal coaching, experiential workshops, inspirational speaking, and is a Reiki practitioner. To contact Janet, phone: (519) 434-5397 fax: (519) 434-8344 or email info@janetchristensen.com www.janetchristensen.com

Published in Networking Today, March 2004.