Did you forget someone over the holidays?

January 12, 2014 at 11:00 PM
Share & Print

If you're like most people, the past few weeks found you juggling all the things you had to do — social obligations, family commitments and gifts galore. But you may have left someone very important off your list: you! If you could have anything in 2014, what would it be? And why don't you already have it?

When we don't have what we want, we tell ourselves stories about why. These stories usually involve our circumstances: not enough time, not enough money, not enough education, the wrong kind of education, etc. Or, they involve the people in our lives: friends who don't understand us, spouses who are overbearing, children who are demanding, parents who are ailing, etc., etc., etc.

Sometimes my workshop attendees and clients are upset when I call the people or circumstances they blame for holding them back by their real name: excuses. Not having money, time or training may make getting what you want more difficult, but many people whose circumstances are far worse than yours have overcome similar obstacles.

A simple "resolution" you can keep this month is to commit to giving yourself an hour's worth of time to figure out exactly what it is that you want and exactly what's keeping you from having it. Here are five questions to get you started:

  1. If you and I were to meet three years from now, what, at a minimum, would have had to happen in order for you to say your life is terrific?
  2. What strengths do you now possess that could help you get there?
  3. What weaknesses would you need to acknowledge?
  4. What opportunities could you leverage to help you along the way?
  5. What are the obstacles you'd need to overcome in order to get there?

Complete this quick analysis and resolve to make time for yourself and your goals in 2014.

Sign up for The Lead and get a new tip in your inbox every day! More tips:

Sandy Schussel is a speaker, business trainer and coach who helps sales teams develop systems to win clients. He is the author of "The High Diving Board" and "

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Related Stories

Resource Center