As the last few days of 2010 slip away and I am coming out of my turkey induced coma, I find myself looking ahead to 2011 and wondering what lies ahead next year. Will the global economy continue on the path of recovery? Will my industry continue its strong performance for another year? What adventures will my kids face this year in their schooling and activities? A new year brings a fresh start and so much promise. With that promise comes the enthusiasm to try new things and improve our skills and behaviours.
It is easy to start strong. The real challenge is to play full out all year long.
If you are like me, and most people, you have made many New Year's Resolutions in the past that you were completely committed to on New Years Day, yet before the snow melts, they are long forgotten.
This challenge we all face is no different than any kind of change management process whether it be in our personal or professional lives. There are hundreds of books on change management out there that give lots of theory on how to make change stick. I would recommend anything by John Kotter if you want to learn more. However, it isn't the theory that gets in our way most often, it is the application.
True self esteem and self confidence begins with a solid personal trust. When we fail to keep commitments to ourselves, we erode our self image. When we keep promises we make to ourselves we build on the foundation of our self, which positions us for excellence when dealing with others.
For me this year I have three goals. My hope is that by posting them here for the world to see it will help me to keep the momentum through both the Peaks and Valleys I know I will face along the way.
So here are my goals, dare I say resolutions for 2011 (and an explanation why I chose them)...
1. I want to run for at least 30 minutes at least four times each week for the entire year. I need to increase my stamina and energy level. We have all heard the clichés about the fast-paced, ever-changing world we live in. Stength and stamina, both mental and physical will pave the way to a better tomorrow.
2. I want to become a stronger and more active listener. Listenening is a skill that doesn't come naturally to me, but is critical to strengthening relationships with my family and colleagues. Whether you are in a product or service business, everything occurs through people. The magnitude of the success you and your family or team can achieve is based on the strength of your relationships.
3. In recent years I have moved from cooking most of the meals for my family, to barely cooking at all. In 2011, I want to get back to cooking at least twice a week. This might seem like a strange goal to many of you. However, I have always found cooking very therapeutic. As Stephen Covey has suggested, cooking helps me to sharpen my saw.
What are your resolutions for 2011? How do they connect to your personal goals and vision for the future? I would love to hear from you on what you plan to achieve next year and your secrets for making resolutions reality. Hopefully by sharing them here with the rest of us it will help you achieve your goals towards a successful you.
Please connect with me on Linked-In (be sure the mention the blog) and follow me on Twitter (@billroth13).
I want to wish everyone a happy, safe and successful 2011!Regards,
Bill
"The Success Junkie"
