In a few hours, you will have come to the end of another year. You'll probably be looking back on what you've achieved, and working out how you can use those achievements to build further success next year. And you'll more than likely be making a list of goals, targets and resolutions to enable you to make 2011 your best year ever!
Here are my five steps to help you do just that....
1. Know exactly what you want. I know this might sound obvious, but there are so many people who are unclear on their business outcomes. Woolly intentions lead to woolly results. Once you know 100% what you are aiming for, everything becomes so much easier to achieve.
2. Be honest with yourself. When you are setting your goals, ask yourself, "Is this something I will achieve, whatever it takes?" Take a few minutes to really think about the answer. If the answer is no, then it's not a goal, just something that would be "nice to have." Successful people can't spend time on things that are "nice to have"...so once you've identified it, turn your attention to things that really fire you up and get you passionate.
3. Pay attention to detail. Many people are great at seeing the bigger picture, and that's essential to keep you on track for reaching your target. However, the reason some of them fail is because they have not planned and analysed all the detail required to turn that vision into a reality. Take a look at one of your goals now. What do you need to do to ensure it happens? What could stop it from happening? Are there any more efficient ways of making it happen? The old Chinese saying tells us, "The battle is not won on the battlefield, " but in the planning and preparation.
4. Think outside of the box. Sometimes the most effective ways of achieving an outcome are not the ones that are the most obvious. Thinking outside the box is a skill possessed by all great entrepreneurs, and it's one you need to develop if you are looking to take your business to the next level. If you work alone, spend some time each day mindstorming ideas, and if you have a team, build regular brainstorming sessions into your schedule. It will pay dividends.
5. Stay focused. Have you been spending too much time on unnecessary things, or carrying out tasks that you could be delegating to someone else? Take a look at your to-do list and see how many items are really important. Delegate as much as you can. Spend your time with people of a similar mindset who can help you achieve what you want to achieve, and avoid "negaholics" at all cost. Then when you've got that goal...celebrate, and move on to the next one!
To secure your success this year, why not take a look at our fantastic Enterprise Explosion programme? You'll find all the details on www.themanchestercoachingacademy.com/7.html.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
