Tip #76: Ditch the New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. What does work is creating a new world view. Picture what your life would be like if you could design it just for you. Write down what that looks like as if you already have achieved it. For example, you may write, “My clients have become raving fans, giving me two qualified referrals each week. My business is growing at 30% each year because of their incredible support.” By creating this world view, you can now consciously and subconsciously do the things that will make your picture a reality.

If you want this year to be different, start it differently.

Even if everyone else around you starts proudly shouting their resolutions from the rooftop…

don’t get wrapped up in the hype.

It’s rarely the big broad sweeping changes we make that create the most profound difference. Instead, it’s the baby steps we take, shifting our behavior and putting sustainable habits in place.

It may feel glamorous to tout that this is going to be the year that you finally (fill in this blank with a massive unattainable goal you will give up on by February)…

but why do that to yourself?

Be kind to yourself. Be practical, and set yourself up for success, not disappointment.

Not sure where to start? Go to Amazon and “Look Inside” 128 Tips to Make You A More Effective Leader. Decide what baby steps you will take to make 2016 the year you actually create the foundational habits that will change your life. Breathe, and life LIVE the life you want…one baby step at a time.

A New Lesson in an Old Story

We learned this lesson in grade school. Slow and steady wins the race. The hare, a warning against procrastination and arrogance. The tortoise, a calling toward diligence and focus.  There is more to the story. Suppose the hare was able to run fast enough and hard enough in the final moments of the race to tie with the tortoise.  The question is:

Which was better able to enjoy the journey to their destination?

Too often we push ourselves beyond our limits as we rush to get to the finish line. We so thoroughly exhaust ourselves along the way that we are unable to enjoy our victory lap.  If we could learn to pace ourselves we could break the cycle of rush, recuperate, rush, recuperate. We waste a lot of energy, a lot of time, and decrease the efficiency and quality of our lives.

What areas in your life are you missing out on because you haven’t given yourself enough time to enjoy the journey?  Whether you want enjoy the sunset years of your professional career or simply enjoy the sunset each day, it’s time to transform your racing into pacing.

Feel Out Your Employees

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,

people will forget what you did,

but people will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

Your employees are the most important element of your business.

How is your leadership making them feel?

Are they aware that they are appreciated? Do they know that you are invested in their growth? Do they feel like they are part of a team?

Or…do they feel replaceable?

These questions matter more than ever.

Long gone are the days when people entered the workforce with plans of remaining loyal to one employer for their entire career.

High turnover is a real issue that plagues most workplaces.

It can be a  huge drain on the budget and the culture of your company.

That being said, worrying only about the bottom line, is a thin line to walk.

Your employees don't just show up for a paycheck.

They crave to be valued…to be an integral part of a community.

Above and beyond their salaries, you need to pay them authentic attention if you want to keep them engaged and motivated.

What is one way you can pay attention to your employees today?