Practical Tips

It’s hard to believe how fast the year has gone. It feels like only yesterday that Barbara and I were celebrating last new year’s eve watching the fireworks out over Sydney Harbour.

Have you ever noticed that as you get older, time seems to speed up? You started the year with all those high hopes. You were going to get this done, or that done. Then the year just seemed to slip by and you wonder what happened?

If this has happened to you, take heart. You’re not alone.

The end of year is traditionally a time when people reflect. What was the last year like. What did you say you wanted to do in all those new year’s resolutions? How many of them did you actually put into practice? Did you actually have a PLAN?

Let me guess… probably not! As the saying goes, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail”.

So in the spirit of reflection and planning, here’s a three step process I gleaned from Philip E. Humbert.

1. First, REVIEW THE PAST. “Those who fail to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.”

The first step to changing the future is to acknowledge what already is. Ask good questions about 2005. What did you learn? What worked well? What would you like to repeat? What are you proud of? How did you grow, change or improve this year? How about your relationships, your career, your lifestyle? How about your income, your health and your hobbies? Ask good questions, and write down the answers.

2. Second, MAP THE FUTURE. I like the term “map” because this is not a dream, a fantasy or even just a goal. What exactly would you like to change in 2006? Do you want to increase your income? Lose weight? Improve some relationships, buy a new house, change jobs?

Mapping the future requires that you balance optimism and ambition with a conservative assessment of what’s possible. Remember, reality never lies. It’s unlikely that you can change everything or do everything in one year. What are the specifics you really to want to change in 2006? Ask good questions; write down the answers.

3. Third, GET A SYSTEM. I’m a huge believer in plans and budgets and strategies. If you want to increase your income by 25%, you’ll probably have to make more sales, work more hours or learn new skills. When (exactly) will you do this? If you want to lose ten pounds, you’ll probably have to exercise more and eat less. Make a plan!

And get plenty of support. Surround yourself with reminders, books, tools and equipment that automatically move you in the direction you want to go.

Get a coach or work with a Master Mind group. Make sure your family, friends and colleagues know exactly what you want to achieve, and make sure they support you every step of the way.

The start of a new year is a wonderful time to take stock, adjust course and affirm your priorities, but it doesn’t happen by accident. Take time to review. Take time to plan and develop your system. And get the support you’ll need. You can make 2006 your best, most productive and rewarding year ever, but only if you arrange for success in advance. Do your homework! Make it happen!

Remember, life goes by while you’re busy doing other things. Kids grow up, you get older, and all of a sudden you might find yourself at the end of your life, wondering, “If only I had done such and such or the other…”

Life is precarious - you never know when your time’s going to be up. Don’t put important stuff off. Tomorrow may be too late. If you really want to do something, start now. Be bold.

Don’t die with the music still within you.

Rashid.

P.S. If you’d like to discuss how you can streamline your business - so that you can not only see new opportunities, but boldly take advantage of them, give me a call on (02) 9499-7958 or email me at mailto:rashid.kotwal@revealedresources.com

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