I hope you've had a wonderful and profitable 2008! The year is essentially over and whatever you've got "in the bag" is about what you'll have for the year. Did it work out the way you hoped? Did the dreams, plans, hopes and expectations you had for the year come true? I hope so! If 2008 has been a great year, please accept my congratulations, give yourself a pat on back and celebrate! All I ask is that you take notes.
Write down the "recipe!" How did you stay on track? Who assisted you? What problems did you over-come? What is your recipe for an even better year in 2009? Take notes!On the other hand, if 2008 is drawing to a close and you are not where you wanted to be, I hope you will also take notes. Where did you go astray? What problems were unanticipated? What didn't work the way you hoped? Learn from these things so you can "do it different" in 2009!And as you review the year, please note the following paradox: For many people the economy has little to do with whether or not they had a wonderful year! If the things you can control--your time, your effort, your focus, your daily activities--were on track but the stock market crashed, or even if you lost your home or your job, 2008 might still have been a banner year! True, no one would enjoy the "bad" things, but if you worked hard and stayed on track, give yourself credit for what you did right! If you did your part, know deep in your heart that you have everything you need to put the "externals" back together. If you "built it" once, you can build it again, smarter and faster and better than ever. But I also want to address those who look at the calendar and have to honestly admit, "my recipe isn't working." If you look at the year and in your personal opinion (the only one that matters) you can't give yourself high marks for performance, persistence, creativity and (most of all) results, please have the courage to ask, "Why not?"Here are a few of the most common weaknesses that hold people back:
1. Lack of clarity. Many people "sort of muddle" through life. They have a set of fantasies or hopes or wishes, perhaps some images or expectations in their mind, but they never truly define their outcomes in advance. If this is you, take time to finally DECIDE exactly what you want. Write it down. Tell other people. Make the commitment and go get it.
2. Lack of focus. Some people are clear about what they want, but they are lazy or undisciplined, fearful or distracted and never "lay claim" to their outcomes. They want a promotion, but they also want too many other things and never focus their time, effort, creativity and emotion on "going for it." If you are clear about WHAT you want, focus on GETTING IT.
3. Poor strategy. Some people never develop specific, effective plans to get what they want. They want a promotion, but never ask their boss exactly what is required to get it. They want more money, but never devise a strategy to increase sales. They want to be better parents or life partners but never take a class, read a book or take other steps to make it happen. Make a plan and then "work your plan." until you get there.
4. Poor teamwork. This may be the most common, and perhaps the most easily corrected mistake. Too many of us try to "do it myself." Big mistake! Almost no one succeeds on their own! We need cheerleaders, supporters, mentors, coaches and partners. Have and use a MasterMind! Share your dream with people who care and who can help you achieve it! The new year is around the corner. It will be filled with opportunities to live better and smarter than ever before. Over the holidays, take time to think clearly, take notes and make changes. Notice what did you right, and write it down. Determine to continue your best activities in the new year. But be honest about your weaknesses, your mistakes, your "blind spots," and write them down as well. Take notes and wherever necessary, make changes.
Quotes of the Week
"If you can DREAM it, you can DO it." -- Walt Disney
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." -- Les Brown
"Aerodynamically a bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway." -- Mary Kay Ash
"You don't get to choose how you're going to die, or when. You can only decide how you're going to live. Now." -- Joan Baez
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