written by john c ashworth
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Most of us carry the same unresolved problems with us year after year.
That's why i like to start each year with a list of stuff I want to cancel, close, eliminate, and behead.
I'm usually not 100% successful, but this kind of thinking really helps me get clear on the stuff I'm carrying around with me that has gotten too heavy, too annoying, and too costly to keep around anymore.
Of course, this effort should also include a close look at your customers and the people you spend time with on a regular basis. Are they holding you up and helping you grow and succeed? Or, are they dead weight draped over your shoulders like a wet blanket that's not only heavy, but stinking with mold and mildew and potential diesease?
Harsh?
No. Smart.
Because if you don't get clear and cunning when it comes to this idea, you will find yourself with those same exact unresolved problems every year. Like those Christmas party guests you feel olbligated to invite in spite of the fact that you hope they never come.
In order to win, you MUST fight the BIGGEST problems the majority of the time. Otherwise, you'll end up losing ground by wasting energy on the front lines of other peoples problems.
Remember, in business, making money is the number one priority every single day. Especially if you have your own business or if you're a salesperson like me, you really do have to accept this truth and embrace this reality every day. If you don't? You'll end-up wasting a lot of your time and energy on the wrong people, places, and opportunities.
When you've completed each workday, ask yourself, "have i made a profit?" OR, at the very least, "have I done things today that will put profit in my bank account at some point in the future?"
Because if you haven't, you're off course - running or walking through thick sand in the hot desert with no clear path to fresh water.
Can you see how that one simple question can change your decisions minute-to-minute every single day? During every single interaction you have?
I know it might be tough to accept, but we need you to focus on this because we need you to be successful, and to do your part to help drive the economy and our evolution as salespeople, entrepreneurs and the mavericks that we are.
So, to answer the question in the headline, "No! It's never too early to start thinking about your new years resoltuions, because it's NEVER too early to start thinking about how to cuttoff the life support to the things, people, places, and commitments that are following you around year after year and stealing your mojo.
-John
