I said I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but Jonathan Farrington, blogger extraordinaire and creator of Top Sales World, wrote a remarkable post. The following excerpts are from Jonathan’s blog:
““Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” – Hal Borland
And that is what it will all be about for me in 2011, building on many of the wonderful things we achieved in 2010.
One of my earliest mentors always urged me to record my objectives, and then share them with as many people as possible. This, he said, would leave me no place to hide, and would spur me on to ensure I achieved as many of them as possible, as well as providing a “transparent audit” come the end of the year.”
Stand Up, Stand Tall
Yes, write your goals and then tell everyone. If goals just stay in your head, you won’t achieve them, because you’re not accountable. Tell them to the world, and you’ve created your own accountability.
It was January, 2004. I decided it was time to write my No More Cold Calling™ book. I told everyone—friends, family, and colleagues—that I was writing my book. Within a month, I began receiving emails asking how the book was coming along. It’s a good thing they couldn’t see my flushed face. I had done nothing. Nothing. However, those reminders created immediate accountability. I knew I had to take all my talk and put it into action. I was back on track and began my writing journey.
Jonathan continues after stating his goals:
“In summary, is this all achievable? Obviously, otherwise I would not be challenging myself to achieve it—and we do have to continually challenge ourselves. Too often, too many people take the soft option—the easiest route. That is not my way. In track and field terms, I do not want to just clear the bar;—I want to murder that height by two feet.
I want to be able to look back when I stand back from all of this, and say things like “I did” “I made it happen” “I gave my best”
I simply cannot imagine being one of those people who look back and reflect in old age “I could have” “I wish I had” “If only I had”
So when you reflect on what you want to achieve in 2011, will you raise your bar, or is “average” acceptable to you?”
Achieve Greatness
How are you going to live this year? What changes will you make and how will you make a difference?
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