Updating Your Inner Circle …

Last year our lives were like a movie script with daily rewrites. Technology allowed many of us to turn work, home, and education into a one-living-space fits all existence. We became more isolated and forced to take a closer look at our inner circle.

Re-evaluate ...
One of my yearly customs is to revamp my list of people who have my back. The "Lifeboat" exercise has been a part of my knowledge base for a long time. It helps to identify people I can trust on a personal and business level.

Tough Choices …
The most challenging part is being honest with myself about family, friends, clients, and business associates. I examine my reasons for including or excluding certain people. This is one of my circle-of-trust exercises for life. I hope you find it as useful as I do.

Here’s Why …
Once upon a time in your life (this is how all fairy tales begin) you found yourself metaphorically needing a lifeboat. You needed to know who you could count on in any situation. There are variations on the exercise, but the bottom line is, “Who do you want in your Lifeboat?”

It’s Up To You …
To do this exercise you can choose the number of people allowed in your lifeboat. I have 15 in mine, but you can choose as few or as many as you would like.

How I Pick …
I have only two rules on my variation of the exercise for making passenger choices. First, you must choose people you need and can trust. Adding family members out of a sense of obligation could negate the experience and sink your boat before it can set sail. Keep in mind that this about people who can help you navigate your life. It’s a different twist to the term “friends with benefits.”

Second, those you select must be alive and people that you personally know. Sorry, this is not “who would you like to have over for dinner?” This Lifeboat is not a vessel for wishful thinking. Therefore, no Dr. Anthony Fauci, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Dua Lipa, Dave Chappelle, Selena Gomez, Barack or Michelle Obama, Chris Pratt, Donald Glover, Rachel Maddow, Trevor Noah, BTS, LeBron James, or any others from a list of “most admired.”

How Do You Rate Yourself …
After you’ve made your list, it would be a good time for self-reflection to determine if anyone would want you in their Lifeboat. This is about your beliefs, attitudes, behavior, decision making process, and how you conduct yourself at work and home. It’s also about being self-aware enough to see the consequences, possibilities, liabilities, and opportunities for your actions.

Important …
This your Lifeboat --a support system, think tank, and compass for living. You need to take your time to complete your list. Be honest with yourself because the people you choose might make a difference in how your year turns out.