With the New Year fast approaching, many of us are reflecting upon the successes as well as the failures of the last 365 days. To increase the value of YOUR time, consider this coaching exercise. Take a sheet of paper and fold it in half long ways. Then draw a heavy line down the fold. On the left side label it: Your Successes This column would contain all that went well for you and the resolutions or goals that you achieved. Then on the right side, label it: Failed Resolutions or Failed Goals. Jot down what didnt go well and those resolutions that you failed to achieve. Now ask yourself what qualities or characteristics were present on the left side that werent present on the right side? Possibly, there is really just one significant quality necessary to bridge the gap between success and failure? Let me take a few moments to share a quick story that may help you discover that quality. During a national conference, one of my mentors who was presenting asked the audience if there existed a multi-billion dollar diet industry within the United States. The obvious answer was YES. Then he asked this question: - "If I would drink 8 glasses a water a day,"
- "If I would walk 30 more minutes a day,"
- "If I would reduce my calorie consumption a day by 10%,"
- "If I would avoid those foods that I know put weight on me,"
"Would I or would I not lose weight through these four simple actions provided I did not suffer from a documented medical condition?" Again the answer was a resounding YES from the audience."Well," he continued, "if losing weight is so simple, then why is there a multi-billion dollar diet industry? Those in the audience looked at each other with very puzzled faces. After a few moments, this wise gentleman answered his question with one single word "Commitment." So as you review your Resolution or Achievement list, maybe the quality that is present on the left side and not present on the right side is commitment. How truly committed are you to those areas where you did not experience success? And why are you more committed to those areas where you had success? William F. Scolavino said it best: The height of your accomplishments will equal the depth of your convictions. What is the depth to your conviction of commitment? Possibly by honestly answering this question and taking the necessary actions, you will achieve even greater success in 2006. |
