You can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results. - Einstein's definition of insanity.
Each year about October, I start evaluating. I think about how the current year has progressed. I think about where I was this time last year... and most importantly, I think about what is different? What's different this year? What did I do different? How much change did it make? There were years when not much changed from year to year. When January would roll around I would be determined that this year is going to be different and better than last year. I am going to make change, and "make progress"! Then October would come around and I would feel defeated, like I was stuck in the same place as last October.
Here's what I learned:
1. You can't keep doing the same thing and expect different results. (Thank you, Einstein)
2. You have to make a plan - and make a plan for making the plan happen.
3. What gets measured, gets done.
4. Getting started is the hardest part.
I started small. I made 10 objectives for the year, and a plan for those objectives - quarter by quarter. The advice I was given was, "Initially, make them easy enough for you to attain - or you cut your finger off!" It seemed kinda scary, but it was simply a road-map to get from where I am, to where I want to be. And it worked. Those 10 simple, but SMART objectives were created. The plan to accomplish them was created, the plan for the plan was created, and it was broken down so simplistically that I knew what steps I needed to do each week. I tracked them and measured them, and that worked too! My new yearly ritual revolves around these steps. Every October, I begin the review process and set in motion what I can do differently next year to keep moving forward. I WANT to be in a different place each year. Even when things are GREAT... I can reach farther; things can be even BETTER!
Years have gone by since I started using objectives, setting plans, and measuring outcomes. I continue to create them to stretch me more and help expand my reach. Every year I make them a bit harder. I always achieve some pieces of all of my objectives; and occasionally, I don't achieve all of the pieces that make up some of my objectives. But they set a course, keep me focused, and provide the path for me to reach my potential.
As you look forward to next year, do you want to be in the same place this time next year? If
so, that's easy - keep doing what you're doing! If not, it's easy - make a decision to take action, follow these steps, and GET STARTED!
Your imagination is your only limitation in creating the life you deserve. Go get it, and Reach Your Potential!