What is the one change you want to change in your life this year? You don’t need a list and generalizations — just one specific thing, one distinct change. It can be something you’ve put off or something you’ve dreamed of.
Good intentions never change anyone, so let’s forget about New Year’s resolutions. Those are made to be broken — in fact, they are rarely kept. Let’s talk about real, tangible, long-lasting change — just one. Now is the time for action, so don’t wait until the near year.
If you’re a business owner, what is the one change you want to see in your business next year? Keep reading. We’re going to help. Instead of saying…
- Create better boundaries. Write down a specific boundary that you allow people to cross too often.
- Get out of debt. List all of your debt, and which ones you will pay off.
- Spend more time with family. Jot down every family member you want to see or spend time with.
- Lose weight. List how many pounds.
- Get organized. Identify the specific area in your life you want to organize.
- Learn a new skill or hobby, and pinpoint one that lines up with your personality and identity.
- Read more, choose the books you will read in the first quarter.
- Travel more. List the place(s) you will travel to.
If you’re a business owner, instead of saying…
- Hire more people, specify how many and for which position.
- Add services and target a particular area that sets you apart.
- Increase sales, identify the specific revenue stream you want to focus on.
- Cut expenses and put together a complete list of expenses.
- Expand the business and pinpoint the specific area that makes sense.
Get the idea? Now, choose one thing. Remember, if you chase two rabbits, you’re not going to catch either one. Don’t procrastinate on this — it may take the next 60 days to prepare. The seeds you plant today will be ready for harvest in January and beyond.
Change is real, and most things do not depend on anyone else. In other words, you are the captain of this ship, and no one can stop you from reaching this destination. After you identify the one thing you want to change in your life or business, here’s some guidance to help get you there.
Set a deadline. Friends, if there is no deadline, it is not real—and it won’t happen. When do you want to reach your goal? If it’s a year-long goal, set intermediate deadlines (we call them mile markers) to mark your progress.
What tools and people need to be involved? If you need to research or consult with others to gain wisdom or learn more, do it now. Preparation is a necessity. As Benjamin Franklin said: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
How will you know when you get there? Key question. As Yogi Berra says: “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Make sure your goals and deadlines are tangible, realistic, and specific.
Accountability. Ah, yes. Add this element, and you’ll exponentially raise your chance of success. Regardless of your one thing, you need someone to help hold your feet to the fire. Yes, someone who will encourage you, but someone who will also push you.
Remember, we’re not changing everything, just one thing that will have a major impact on your personal or business life.
Get bulldog intensity, stay focused, and move one step closer to living the life of your dreams.