Out with the old and in with the new
December 30, 2009
Not only are we celebrating the ending of another year, but also our first decade of the ‘noughties’ is passing, and we are now on the brink of a new year and a new decade. So perhaps we should say good bye to some things, which are less than helpful to us as well as saying hello to some new aims and objectives for 2010.
I love the idea of having a Good Riddance Day, as was celebrated in New York on December 28th 2009, where people were encouraged to write there own words following the prompt “I want to say good riddance to…”. This really set me thinking what a fine idea this is, as so often we tend to look back and dwell on past disappointments, events or sadness, and by living so much in the past we can use up a lot of our energies by concentrating on stuff that we cannot change.
So I invite you to write this sentence down and then list out anything that leaves you feeling negative, hurt, disappointed, angry – or whatever! Writing it down is more powerful than just thinking about it. Then let this list GO! (Throwing it on the fire or putting it through the shredder may also add to the cathartic power of this process!)
Now turn to crafting your New Year’s Resolutions for yourself and your business. Here is a very simple model for helping you to create simple, well crafted objectives (or resolutions – if you prefer). It’s called the 3M Model, and is extremely simple to remember:
Measurable: Make your objectives measurable so that there is some way of you knowing whether and when you achieve your objectives
Motivational: Make sure it’s something you can find some passion for. If it’s framed with words like I must, or I should, check out that you really want to do it!
Also, always frame your objectives in the positive, so instead of ‘I do more networking’ you might say ‘I want to meet more people and form some great relationships’.
Manageable: Make sure you are not setting yourself up for a fall. If it’s something really big, then remember to break it down into smaller tasks and activities. Have in mind the thought that you can’t eat an elephant in one bite.
Finally writing these down will give them more power, whilst signing and dating will add to their impact too. I would urge you to re-visit your resolutions regularly to re-align if you feel they are still valid.
Wishing you a happy, healthy & successful New Year
Susanna Way is a Personal and Business Coach (www.waymorethan.co.uk) and is an active member of the BNI Royal Spa (www.bni-royalspa.co.uk).
