What’s really important?

This week, I would like to present a challenge to us all.  It is my ultimate desire that we not only perform and complete this challenge, but that it becomes the impetus for a habitual change in behavior going forward.

In the United States, the 2012 presidential election is only a matter of days away.  Many Americans have already cast an early ballot and the rest of us plan to vote this upcoming November 6th, on Election Day.

The idea for this week’s challenge is a direct result of the excitement and anxious anticipation surrounding this year’s election.  Most of America’s voting population already know which presidential candidate they intend to support and a few are still undecided.  The few that are undecided are paying very close attention to the differences in the governing policy of each candidate, to ensure they make a decision that closely aligns with their needs, wants and core values.

…and why wouldn’t they?

After all, whomever becomes President of the United States for the next four years will have a direct affect on most of our lives.

However, the sphere of influence on our lives doesn’t extend only to the Oval Office.  There will be senators, members of congress, state representatives, judges and other elected officials whose names will be on the ballot as well.

…and guess what?  These candidates are even closer to home.

Do you know their names?  Do you know who they are?  Do you know what they look like?

Better yet…

Do you know their governing policies and how they may impact you and your community?

If so…excellent.  You’re all done.

If not…
My challenge is this:
Can you commit to put away the unimportant and focus on the important, until you vote on November 6th?

If the answer is no…please keep reading and reconsider.
If the answer is yes…
Get excited…because you are now on the path to new personal growth!

Now here’s the deal…
For the next ten days you will do the following:

Instead of watching TMZ, you’ll flip to MSNBC.
(Oh…you don’t watch that channel? Well…you know what I mean!)
Instead of surfing the internet with Stumbleupon.com, you’ll review politico.com.
Instead of reading pop culture magazines, google your ‘sample ballot’ to find out whether the judges up for election in your district, are right or left wing.
Instead of finishing that game of Words with Friends, you’re going to find out what the ballot questions for this year are, and what your vote is.

Remember you’ve made a commitment, it’s too late to resign.
…and no need to worry, in ten days the Kardashians will still be alive.
I’m pretty sure Kim and Kourtney will be just fine.

You committed to putting away the unimportant and focusing on the important?
Are you up for this ten day challenge?

If so…I want to hear from you…let me know!
…and let’s all hope that after ten days, this just might be a practice that turns into a habit and sticks.

We are our own worst enemy.
So, whatever you do…please don’t let the focus on the unimportant, along with the lack of focusing on what’s really important…be the one thing that comes back later and hurts you.

For the next ten days just ask yourself…
What’s really important?