Prioritize in 2005Written by Diann Cannon
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The same person who I said is "easily distracted by shiny objects" chose, "Market More in 2004" for his theme last year. Since then, his business has grown so much that he's decided it's time to raise his prices! One of my clients chose phrase, "Fully Alive in 2005!" I like that one, too. She wants a reminder to stay engaged in LIFE! Themes are a tool to help us FOCUS. It's a friendly nudge that keeps us on track of positive change. Whatever you choose, your theme is like a beacon when it comes to helping you achieve your ultimate objective(s). It summarizes that something you want to move toward in your life. Your theme can help get you out of your comfort zone and into territory you want to go. Having a theme can also help in decision making process because saying "no" to things that don't fit into your theme for year becomes easier. There are so many things that can derail us from things we want for ourselves, but having a theme can help keep us on course. When we figure out what our goal for year is, selecting an appropriate theme is just a step away. When we have our own purpose, we are less likely to get caught up in other people's chaos or engage in "rescuing" behavior. Rescuing others from what amounts to their lack of planning is a path that can lead to resentment. And don't you have better things to do?
Diann Cannon, founder of Signals Personal and Business Coaching, works with individuals facing major life transitions, such as divorce, unemployment or career change. She helps them identify their strengths and confront limiting beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, she helps people achieve success and balance in their business and personal lives. Contact Diann and sign up for her newsletter at http://www.signalscoach.com.
| | Ingredients for successWritten by Ophelia Sanchez
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So how can we develop our attitudes? Obviously, we first must realize that we need to. Then we must want to. If not, we will never change them. The most practical way to change attitudes is through spaced repetition, which is how attitudes were developed originally. Human behaviorists estimate that if you are exposed to an idea six times during six days, you will retain 62% of idea after 15 years. Another powerful tool to change attitudes is affirmations. Remember Mohamad Ali. He used to brag all time that he was greatest — he was re affirming his belief in himself. We need to do same! Continuos use of positive affirmations about us have a tremendous power on how we see ourselves; how we see ourselves impacts how we act, how we act impacts our success. Is this all we need to be successful? No. We also need SKILLS. Most companies send employees to technical training; but many are not concerned with human behavioral skills. The higher we go in an organization, less technical skills we need; however, human behavioral skills become critical to job. We must keep in mind "soft" skills as well as technical skills required for our job. We can find people to fill in our lack of technical skills but is very difficult to get someone to replace our lack of human behavioral skills. What else do we need to be successful? Think about how many times have we had best of intentions to do something and we have quit along way? The answer is : GOALS. Goals "make sure" that we stay on track and aimed at our success. We should emphasize personal goals as well as professional goals. Actually, they are integrated. Excelling in one propels other. We must set goals for improvement for ourselves, making sure they are realistic, specific, measurable, actionable and time bound. Develop an action plan to accomplish your goal with positive affirmations to guide you. Slowly you will see your life changing. What about in business ?. How many of us find ourselves with no business goals, no direction? We fall in a daily routine of answering telephones, writing letters, having meetings, etc. Without goals for improvement we become slaves to system, to process. Goals drive companies to success. A change in our attitudes, skills and goals will result in changed behavior. This new behavior will bring about improved results, both in our personal lives as well as in our business live. A very simple formula: Positive Attitudes, combined with Skills and Goals result in success.
President and CEO Management Resources, inc.
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