First working day of 2012 and you’re back at it.

How’s it feel?

Seriously, when you came in this morning – was it “Here we go, back to the ol’ grindstone” or “Here we go – this should be a great year”?

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not one of those obnoxious motivational people. You know who I’m talking about. If you cut off their arm they talk about how pretty the red blood is!

What I am is a guy who observes people.

I see many with the “spark in their eye” year after year and others where the spark fades and there is just a dull sense of resolution – an “it is what it is” look.

Why? What makes the difference? Does anyone choose to glaze over and let the spark slip out of his or her working life?

I see three key consistent contributors. The spark begins to dim when you:

• Stop Caring
• Stop Trying
• Stop Dreaming

See if any of these may be stealing your “spark”:

1. Stop Caring: These are the leaders that literally stop giving a damn. There could be many contributors: tired of feeling unappreciated/valued; too many perceived injustices at the hands of others; lack of sense of purpose; don’t respect his/her boss; unable to see how his/her effort impact the greater good. Whatever the source, they decide to take their heart out of the game.
2. Stop Trying: These are the leaders that put it on cruise control; they are doing just enough to stay out of trouble and not an ounce more. Again, there could be many contributing factors: fear of failure, risk adverse, cynicism has crept in to their attitude, or the classic – “why should I work hard when no one else is?” Regardless of the source, the effort isn’t there. They log time, not accomplishments.
3. Stop Dreaming: For me, this is the saddest reason. These are the leaders that forgot their dreams and visions. They lost sight of the  golden ring they pursued in the early days of their career. Work is now just “going through the motions.” There is not a target that beckons or a desired future state that pulls and tugs.

Look in the mirror – what do your eyes tell you?

Is the spark still there? Can you feel some excitement when you walk through the doors? Is there a future state you desire?

If not – why? Consider the reasons above. Do a gut check. Be honest and real with yourself. Ask: “Is what I am running from or avoiding really worth the loss of my sparkle?”

Assuming the answer is no – start to challenge yourself in small ways.

Get some momentum by slowing reengaging, taking some risks and dusting off (or rewriting) your dreams.

2012 looks like a big year sitting here on January 3^rd – take the effort to make it one for the record books!