NEW YEAR

Jan

2024

Three Keys to Leading Yourself

If you know me then you know I spend time regularly at the gym. This has become a lifestyle habit to keep my chest from sagging to my drawers and manage stress.

During this time of year I smile and get mildly frustrated at the same time. During the first couple weeks of the year the attendance at the gym increases dramatically. Around the middle of the month though . . . it drops closer to normal.

What happens?

The same that happens to all of us when we start slipping on our goals. One of the following three factors is no longer effective.

Vision

“When we know why we do what we do, everything else falls into place.” Simon Sinek

Whether the goal is becoming healthier or reaching a specific professional goal we often get distracted from an unclear vision. We may have a goal, but do we have a clear reason why we want to accomplish the goal?

When the goal first comes into our awareness, we should ask “why?” as many times as we need until we determine the real reason we want to achieve the goal. This clarity will help us maintain focus when multiple other priorities attempt to distract us.

Plan

“If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Benjamin Franklin

This has been quoted by many people but originated with Benjamin Franklin. We have set a goal and have a clear vision of why we want to accomplish the goal. The next key is creating a definite plan. A definite plan does not need to be an A-to-Z map of every detail. It can be as simple as one step.

Try this. Write down your goal at the top of a page of paper and then make three stair steps. What are the three steps you would need to take to accomplish the goal? There may be more, but what are the major steps that, if you continually execute, you will accomplish your goal? Write it down and then move into action.

Persevere

“Everything worthwhile is uphill.” John Maxwell

This is the most challenging key of the three. We must persevere. Whether the goal is losing weight or growing your business, it will take discipline and effort. We will have days we want to quit, and days we fail to execute the plan.

Quite honestly, we will have days we flat-out fail.

Get up.

Take the next step and continue to climb the hill developing the habits that will help you accomplish your goal. Surround yourself with people who will support, encourage, and push you to keep going.

Setting the goal is the easy part, but executing can be the most challenging. Which of these areas are you stuck in? Do you need help with prioritizing as you start this new year? Check out this resource to help you with prioritizing this year. Lead Well.

Dec

2021

Planning for the New Year

One holiday ended and we are rapidly approaching the New Year. This is the time people set a goal or a “resolution” and inevitably within weeks break that resolution. Last year during this time we had to get out of town because of the craziness of 2020 so my usual reflection didn’t not happen.

This year I will take time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next both professionally and personally. I know this, I am the limiter to my success. If I don’t take time to plan a path of growth, I will limit the potential success I can have.

Last year around this time I shared a friend’s method of evaluating the year. This year can I share with you a personal growth plan? If you read to the end you will see a link to a page where you can get a free resource to help you think into your growth plan.

Vision

Purpose and vision can easily get confused. This is when we are asking what am I about right now? Purpose is our “why” behind all we do. For example, I do what I do to help leaders transform so they can be transformational agents at work, home, and in their communities. A vision statement for this purpose is what I am about for a period. For example, on a personal level my vision is to equip my children to be men who know and live out their purpose. This vision will change as they leave my home.

A professional vision specifically relates to your professional life. You may desire to get promoted to a new position or grow your business results to a certain level. Maybe you see an area you need to grow in professionally that you want to focus on. This vision is something that will keep you moving toward your professional goals.

Top 5 Values

At times with one on one clients I challenge them to determine their values. Knowing our top values serves as a filter for knowing what to say no to as we make decisions. Many tools exist that can help you determine your values. If you need help determining your top values let me know and I can provide a resource to assist in that process.

Top 3 Goals

This is where we get very specific. Look at the next thirty days and decide what are three specific, measurable, reachable, and stretching goals you want to accomplish both personally and professionally. Next look at three months and determine the same answer. Finally determine what the top three things you want to accomplish this next year are both personally and professionally.

Annual Personal Development Goals

This final section is broader and more focused on intentionally developing ourselves. In the book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership author and leadership expert John Maxwell’s first law is The Law of the Lid which states:

“Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.”

We are the lid on our business, leadership, and life. This final section helps us think intentionally about ways to raise our lid by increasing our awareness. One of the ways to accomplish this is learning from others. As you think into the year ahead what books will you read, people will you intentionally meet and learn from, and events will you attend to help you grow? This will provide a simple personal growth plan to maintain.

One Word

For a few years now I have decided on a word for the year. This may or may not be a beneficial exercise for you. I find it provides a simple purpose or vision for the next twelve months that I can easily remember. It could be courage, focus, trust, discipline, or any number of words. Don’t overthink this one. Let the word come to you. You will know it when it does.

I hope you have found this helpful. As I mentioned at the beginning if you want a resource to help you walk through this process go to https://bit.ly/WheelPGP to receive access to your free growth plan guide. Make the most intentional and purposeful year yet! Lead Well.