Let Me Be Among The First To Wish You a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I don’t know who figured this gimmick out, but it’s real neat that you get to start a whole new year with a clean, unblemished, untarnished slate. With Christmas around the corner and about a week to go to 2006, it’s time to jettison last year’s disappointments, resentments, frustrations, mistakes, unfulfilled goals and only carry over the good stuff. Whatever’s done is done, committed to history, no point looking back.
When the clock strikes midnight on the 31st of December the starter’s pistol goes off. A whole new 52 weeks are right in front of you. The trick is to make sure you are not lugging any unnecessary baggage and you have the clearest possible picture of what the finishing line looks like at the end of 2006.
So how do you set goals for the New Year?
The first thing I like to do is to reconsider unfinished business and new items on my ‘ugly’ list. The things that still require completion, the things I like least about my business or life, that perpetually seem to bug me, waste my time and get in the way.
I also like to consider my own behaviour. What can I do better, to be better? What do I need to become better at to achieve my goals in 2006? Can’t build a nest without twigs, grass, leaves and superglue. You need to gather the right stuff in order to get the job done. Figure out what stands in your way and quickly, ruthlessly discard ‘it’ decisively.
DISCIPLINE VS A LIFETIME OF REGRET
I don’t know if you follow Aussie Rules or not, but I do. Most of you would be aware that the West Coast Eagles narrowly lost a dower struggle with the Sydney Swans for the flag in 2005. Few would argue that the Eagles were a more talented bunch. Yet my observation is it was the Sydney Swans discipline that enabled them to prevail. The Swans were a more disciplined team playing a more disciplined game. Made me think of General Schwarzkopf quoting Patton – “the difference between a live soldier and a dead soldier is discipline”.
It’s no surprise to me that the most disciplined Inner Circle members are generally the most “successful”. By discipline I mean in part organised in thought and action, prepared and held accountable. Most people are engaged in doing things without a clear picture of what “success” is supposed to be or look like. With no means of holding themselves or others accountable.
You need structure. You need a plan. Try building a house without a clear set of plans and see what happens… a very expensive learning experience.
You behaviour must be congruent to your goals. It’s very important to link goals and behaviour.
Personally, on behalf of everyone at Magnetic Marketing, I hope 2006 is your best year yet!
Best regards
Mal
