We end all years with an attitude of gratitude regardless of the outcome because we either thrived or survived. We always approach the New Year with optimism that the New Year will bring forth new opportunities and possibilities. Most likely, we will also commit to managing what we have more efficiently than we may have in the past. These types of thoughts are not only applicable to our work/career, they are applicable to every facet of our living and working including how we manage our mental, physical, spiritual, social and financial assets in life.
As prepare for the New Year, our thinking and our plans become most precious assets. In spite of the hustle and bustle of taking care of what happens commercially in our lives, especially during the Christmas Season, we must also think and plan about what we envision for our futures.
There is always much to think about. There is no easy A,B,C formula for planning a New Year that supersedes a past year. Each of us must take steps to assure that we give ourselves the best chance possible to grow as individuals and grow the businesses and work that is most important to us.
Thinking is always hard work. In the chart below, we provide you with 11 topics that may help to frame and start your thinking. We end with 3 reminders that are essential to all new plans: Clarity, Focus And Flawless Execution. You may think of other questions.
| Think About The Past Year as You Prepare For the New Year | Why |
|---|---|
| Data | Your data tells you exactly what happened… |
| Communication | Were you effective in communicating your ideas and plans… |
| Micromanagement | Did you attempt to get involved in every detail… |
| Lack of Growth Focus | Did you actually stay focused on growth every day, week, and month… |
| Negative Conversations | Did you engage too much… |
| Blaming Others | Do you think someone else is to blame… |
| Ego | Did this ever get in your way, prevent you from learning… |
| Short Term Focus | It is so easy to focus on the short term because the bills need to be paid… |
| Burn Out | Did you actually quit on yourself a few times… |
| Excuses | Did you waste any time making an excuse… |
| Planning | Did you actually work from a plan each day… |
| Clarity | Are you clear and ready for a New Year? |
| Focus | Are you focused on what matters most? |
| Execution | Do you have specific plans that sync with your goals and objectives? |
Article contributed by
The AFE Editorial Team
