Dear Readers,
It’s hard to believe the New Year has arrived, isn’t it? Yet, here we are. New Year’s Day (and January) hold a very special place in my heart, because it’s a time for me to review what I’ve done over the past year.
My reviews aren’t just about wonderful memories made with my wife or moments with my team. They are actual reviews about my own habits – how I handled my personal life goals and how much I was able to accomplish.
I have always been a goal-oriented person. Goals and the pursuit of them are what make a good leader a great one. That’s why I have a tradition of writing down my goals as a checklist of each habit and journey I want to accomplish in the upcoming year.
Then, I go one step further. I share that checklist with close friends and family so that they can hold me accountable. When I really want to get something done, having the support of friends and family makes it feel so much more meaningful.
On the first day of the next year, I go through the checklist to see which goals I accomplished. The motivation that comes with having your friends see which goals you pursue makes it all the more satisfying. Of course, not all of the goals you write down will be reached by year’s end.
Starting a goal list on January 1 gives you a full 365 days to concentrate on them, work toward them and bolster your chances of reaching them. That’s 12 months – 52 weeks to create a newer, better you. More importantly, you’ll have your friends and family cheering you on!
But, why stop at just personal goals? This can be a company tradition, too.
You should have a list of goals you want your company to attain. Now is the best time to think about your future and the goals you have for yourself, your business and your career. What do you want to accomplish this year?
January is the month to have a true, heart-to-heart with your team about a company-wide vision. Talk with leaders about specific goals related to sales performance, customer service, or even implementing new equipment.
Your team can be the backbone of your future visions. Being able to talk to them about your true business goals – your annual mission – is priceless. Then, you can work together toward aligned goals, creating an atmosphere of mission-driven success.
If you haven’t done so already, take some time to truly think about your flaws and desires. What do you want your year to look like? Where do you want to be a year from now? Write down what needs to be done in order for you to achieve that position.
The tradition of goal-setting might not be as festive as a champagne toast with friends to ring in the New Year, but it will serve you and your business well. I know it did wonders for my life.
Until next time,
