How would you complete this statement?
The one thing I really want to accomplish before the end of this year is…
It’s hard to pick just one thing, isn’t it?
Of course there are many actions you should take between now and the end of the year.
But there’s usually something you know — in your gut — that you haven’t started or completed. It may not have even made it to your usual “to-do” list.
Sometimes it’s an idea that might seem a little too big, too unusual or too scary.
I have lots of those ideas myself, some of which have been held over from last year!
If you’re not sure what your “one thing” is, here are a few of my coaching tips to help you think:
Do something that makes you a little (or very) nervous.
Typically the best growth opportunity for your business, and yourself, happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.
If you’ve been putting off something that makes you uneasy, now’s the time to take action.
Start. Completion isn’t always the goal.
Simply starting something is an accomplishment. Your accomplishment may be the first step in a process or series of actions you expect to take.
Maybe it’s planning the presentation you need to give, launching a new service or implementing a new approach to improve team performance. Taking the first step will help you commit to your real goal.
Fast forward.
Think about where you want to be a year from now. (For many executives, it’s difficult to imagine their business even a few months from now.)
As one executive told me, “I don’t want to be having the same conversations with my team a year from now. Things have got to change!” So we had to determine what needed to happen now to drive that change. It all starts at the top.
Tie up loose ends.
I recently spoke to a group about the importance of tying up loose ends at the end of the year. Audience members became more energized at the thought of being able to bring closure to issues that have been left hanging. Do what you need to do to give yourself a sense of completion where you can.
It may involve writing a letter, sending an email or having a conversation. Tie up what you can. Let go of what you need to.
Leverage top performers.
It’s not unusual for executives to spend time and energy on problem areas in the business, or on problem people. Instead commit to do something that leverages your greatest strength — your top performers.
For example, if you have someone in your group who is exceptionally process oriented, they might help others put needed processes or systems in place in other areas of your business.
Think “fulfillment.”
As you consider the “one thing” you want to accomplish, it’s tempting to think about what would be most profitable for your business. Not a bad idea.
Also consider what would be most personally rewarding to you. What would make you feel good?
Go for gratitude.
Sometimes a simple thank you note goes a long way. How might you express your appreciation to those who have helped you in some way this year? Your employees, clients, referral sources, etc. Include someone who wouldn’t expect to hear from you.
A little thanks doesn’t have to require a lot of time. Just sincerity.
So, any ideas yet? I hope this gets your juices flowing.
You will get much done by the end of the year. However, it’s less likely that you’ll accomplish what you really want if you don’t give it some thought now.
Pick the one desired accomplishment that matters most to you — no matter how big or small.
As Georgia O’Keeffe said,”You get whatever accomplishment you are willing to declare.”
Don’t deliberate too long.
Declare it.
Do it.
PS — What’s the one thing you want to accomplish before the end of the year? I’d love to hear.