Learning new things can be fun and challenging, like learning to play golf or how to use that new "smart phone" you got for Christmas. Learning can also be painful, like learning to be single again or adjusting your lifestyle to live on less money because of a layoff or downturn in business.
If you're reading this, it's obvious that we've both survived the learning curves 2008 presented us, so now what? Whether that curve was easy or steep, painful or fun, not applying what we've learned seems like a goofy decision!
So ask yourself these questions...
What did 2008 teach me about my product or service?
Did my customer's or client's needs change?
Were there drastic changes in my industry?
Were there changes in my financial status?
What adjustments am I willing to make in 2009 that will effect me, my family and my business?
Sometimes when it seems there are too many issues or areas of concern, we don't even know where to start. So what happens? We don't start at all! Now really...where is that going to leave us? Indecision will no doubt leave us in the dust behind our competition or worse yet, we may find ourselves in bankruptcy court. In today's changing world, if we want to thrive instead of survive, then doing nothing is not an option.
Grab and tablet of paper and pen an try this quick exercise to make the process of applying those lessons easier and more effective...
1. List a few things you learned in 2008 in the key areas of your life like career, money, health, family, relationships, etc.
2. In each key area, determine the single greastest challenge you'll face in 2009 and write a short paragraph about that challenge and how 2008 taught you to tackle it.
3. In each key area, determine the single greatest opportunity available to you in 2009 and again, write a short paragraph about the opportunity and what you've learned about how you need to sieze that opportunity.
For example, in the area of finances you may challenge yourself to cut back the daily Starbuck's visit to twice a week so you can take your kids to Six Flags more often this summer. In health, it might be to exercise more or eat differently because your cholesterol needs your attention. In career, you may have felt the sting of the competition in 2008, so this year you're committed to find a creative way and set yourself apart from the competition while maintaining your pricing standards.
Point being, if you commit to take just one action step that will have a measureable and positive impact in each area of your life, what will that look and feel like?
Keep in mind the characteristics of a great action step are:
- the action step is well defined.
- the commitment to do the step has been made.
- the date to begin the action step has been determined.
- the completion date has been firmly committed to.
Please know that I'm writing this for both of us! I have learned a great deal in 2008 and am committed to making those lessons pay off big!!
Best of luck to you as you go through the same process!
Jean-Ann Cooper, Personal & Business coach
Cooper Worldwide Coaching
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