Two weeks ago I was at a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game and was delighted to learn that Punxatawney Phil was also in attendance. He had driven over to Pittsburgh with two of his handlers and was making a guest appearance. There was a huge crowd gathered around to see him, so I couldn't get the best picture. But here he is in his enclosure:
The movie Groundhog Day helped catapult Phil to celebrity status. Seeing him reminded me of the movie's lesson about the importance of living life with awareness, one day at a time. It's really easy to wake up and go through life in a series of habits or routines without being aware of the things we do, or don't do. Bill Murray's character suffered through some hilarious days when it seemed that nothing he did mattered because he kept repeating the same day. But eventually he realized that his actions did have consequences, and that he had choices to make. And once he made the right choices, he was able to get on with his life wiser and happier.
Are there habits that you have which you'd like to change? What's stopping you from taking a small step or two in the direction you want to head? Groundhog Day is a great movie but you don't need to be living it yourself. If you are actively seeking a new position right now, or thinking about starting a job search, what will you do today that makes you wiser than yesterday and better prepared for your next opportunity when it comes along?
