Actually, every "next four years" will have a significant impact on you. Your actions and decisions during that time will determine everything that follows. And key to making most of time is having a vision, setting goals, and making plans.

Most leaders work with a business plan. And some have a business plan for their career and other important aspects of their life.

3) It can be a lot of fun.

Yes, next four years and rest of your life can be a lot of fun. If you choose to make it so.

My train ride serves as an excellent example of this.

When I bought my train ticket I decided that I was going to enjoy ride. And I can report that I had a ball. In fact, I told everyone that I met on train that I was happiest guy on train.

Now, let's be realistic about this. A train offers some challenges. For example, train rocks from side to side as it rattles along over old track, switches, and rail crossings. The train blows a whistle, which you can hear all day (and night) long. The train provides limited space. I spent first night in coach, curled up on my seat and suitcases that I stacked on floor between my seat and one in front. My sleeper (for next two nights) consisted of a 3.25 feet wide, 7 ft. long, 6.5 ft high space.

And yet I was happiest guy on train. Because I decided to enjoy ride.

Similarly, we can enjoy our ride through life if we decide to enjoy it.

The second step of two-step approach: suppose you've fully implemented first step (turnaround) and situation remains unacceptable. Now it's firing time, and because I bet you care about other people, you know that it's one of most unwanted and difficult tasks an owner or manager faces. I encourage my clients to remember that a business or organization cannot afford to carry an unproductive and toxic employee. An employee person unwilling or unable to make necessary improvements must be sent to find an employment situation that fits them better. This does not make you an evil or uncompassionate human being.

So pull out "the sliver" and create a positive, unstoppable team. The number one key to professional success is quality of people you surround yourself with - employees, colleagues, spouse, friends. Life speeds by, so remove rocks from your river and let it flow forward, full force. If you can't turn around a problem employee, you must let them go. It's not your fault and if you want your business to flourish, and you will at times find you have to terminate.