| As we draw closer to the New Year, we are | | | | the tiny little things that we often refer to as |
| reminded that this is time to envision what you | | | | "busy work." Yes, it needs to get done, at the |
| want to accomplish in the next year. Leaders | | | | proper time. Doing lots of little things make us feel |
| realize that a visionless Leader is dead in the | | | | good. And we can point at the little |
| water, a ship afloat on the ocean tempest beset | | | | accomplishments and say "See! Look at |
| by waves and wind, subject to the whims of the | | | | everything I've done so far! Ain't I good!" |
| water on which it floats. Who knows what port | | | | This only leads us to the worst result, major |
| the ship will end up in, if at all? Maybe it will end up | | | | goals and visions not completed at years end. |
| at the bottom of the ocean? It's up to the | | | | It's like buying a run down, broken window, no |
| Leader to build a vision. | | | | water, no electricity, no gas, no driveway, no roof |
| Irving Babbitt said "Where there is no vision, the | | | | house and then cutting the grass in the yard. Yard |
| people perish." Don't perish in '09. | | | | looks good, can't live in the house though. |
| Here are a few tips to start the process. | | | | Finally, take action. One step at a time, one day |
| Start by asking the question "What went well in | | | | at a time. Think of it as laying a brick foundation. |
| 2008?" It is easier to build your vision if you are | | | | Each brick has a function. Strong foundations are |
| concentrating on the accomplishments and the | | | | not built all at once, and your year end vision is |
| things you did well 1st. Start by writing the top 10 | | | | exactly the same as a strong foundation. Think of |
| things you did well in 2008. | | | | every day as a brick in your foundation and you |
| After you have identified the top 10 things that | | | | are placing that brick exactly where you want it. |
| went well, now ask "What would I have done | | | | In order to see your foundation at years end, |
| differently if I had known ____?" If we are | | | | you will need to visualize your foundation as it will |
| looking at the past, we must make sure that we | | | | look in 30 days, 90 days, 180 days and so on. |
| focus on what we would like to do differently, not | | | | Picture it firmly. Now get busy and take action. |
| what is wrong. We can find plenty that is wrong; | | | | Each day will build on each day, until the |
| let's focus on what we can do to make it right. | | | | foundation is complete, and all the bricks are in |
| At this point, you should have at least 10 things | | | | place. The goal is to have each day add to the |
| that you would like to accomplish in 2008. You can | | | | day previous, until the year is complete. |
| have more, and in fact, sometimes it is really nice | | | | If at this years end, you are looking back and |
| to have a big list, because as you pare it down, | | | | remembering all that you did not accomplish, start |
| only the most important things stay on that list. | | | | the New Year off right, by focusing on what you |
| Next, prioritize. This crucial step is so important it | | | | want to happen in 2009. Use these steps to |
| bears repeating. Prioritize. It is a waste of energy | | | | make this next year the best ever! |
| and time to work towards a vision by doing all | | | | |