It's That Time Again

It is about this time of year that we start evaluating what happened this year; what was good, what was bad, what should be changed in the upcoming 12 months. Typically, we only look at the highlights instead of really putting some concentrated thought into the whole year. This usually leads us to making "New Year's Resolutions" that probably last more than a few weeks, or days.


Resolution (decision): a firm decision to do something. This is a pretty scary thought. That's why most resolutions don't last. Making resolutions sets you up for failure, they are too inflexible. If the situation is not the product of a commitment to self analysis, making a broad promise is a direct path to guilt and self abuse. Making a resolution to lose weight next year is doomed to failure unless it is less generic and more specific. Telling yourself instead, or better yet journaling, that by the end of next year "I will lose 20 pounds in order to make my blood pressure lower. I will do this by (insert your specific game plan here) "will give you a better chance of victory. Now you have a plan for success, with specific parameters, that will assure you a greater chance for success; and you won't have to suffer the guilt of failure.

This best way to make this system work is to take the time to study your core values. This can be a frightening task, but I assure you that the results are worth your effort. Actually, I have noticed that the process is more important that the answers. Nobody will ever see your list, unless you choose to share it, so you can be brutally honest. This is the hardest part because we don't really like to look at ourselves up close, but we should. Also remember that your list is not cast in stone, you should review it at least once a year and make any necessary changes.

Your Core Values can be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. You are judged by how you appear, how you act and how you react. Knowing yourself well will help you make the kind of decisions that make you stronger and inspire the people around you.

Why Do You Do What You Do?

In our last issue we discussed the value of assessing your Core Values. This can be a very powerful exercise; just the exercise itself will give you amazing insights into your thinking processes.

The next step in building your foundation is to determine your reasons for doing what you do. Your actions are defined by your Mission Statement. Your Statement tells the world about your goals and purpose. It not only tells your employees and teammates where you are coming from, but a well written mission statement also tells your customers, business partners and others who you are, what, why and how your business will conduct itself.

Mission Statements can also be constructed for your personal development. It would define your ethical standards and how people can expect you to act. The absence of surprises makes your associates much more comfortable.

Your Mission Statement, whether for business or personal conduct, should always be in alignment with your Core Values. For example our Mission Statement is; “help people solve problems, seize opportunities, and by acting fell better about themselves.” This tells people what they can expect when working with us; offering anything less is considered failure.

There should be no limits to your imagination when you are developing your Mission Statement. Reach beyond your current capacities. Your Mission Statement also functions like the rabbit to the greyhound in a race. It will cause you to reach to new levels of hopes, dreams, and achievement. You are trying to grow beyond your current reach and your Mission Statement can be a powerful tool to make that happen.

A goal is a dream with a deadline
Do you have a good map for your future? Whether you are assessing your business or personal relationships; truly understanding your core values is the basis for your map. It is critical that your Core values be written and reviewed on a regular basis. Keeping them in your head defeats the purpose of using them as a tool for growth. They are only dreams if they are not written, reassessed on a regular basis, and used as a learning tool.
Your Core Values should not reflect who you want to be or who you think you are. Those are the job of your Vision and Mission Statements. Core Values represent a searchingly honest assessment of who you really are.
Writing our your Core Values is not a test; there are no right or wrong answers. Keep in mind that these answers are not carved in stone. This is a living document. You should do periodic review to be sure you are still on track.
Some of the questions you might ask yourself are:
WHAT DO I KNOW ABOUT MYSELF?
How do I see myself; Will I accept compromise and at what level; Do I like
people?
WHAT ARE MY FEARS?
Do I fear failure, do I fear success, Am I a risk taker?
WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK?
Am I concerned about what others may think; are my fears blocking me?
WHAT IS MY ATTITUDE?
Am I positive or negative; Do I smile and great strangers openly; Is life an adventure?
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MOVE FORWARD?
What is really getting in my way and stopping my forward progress?

These are just a few of the questions that you might ask yourself. There are probably plenty more. The more information you have, the better tools you can create and the more successful you will be. Absolute and candid honesty is essential to make your Core Value statement a good working tool. Remember, no one is judging you, they may never see your notes, but you will have a much better sense of who you are and what is most important to you.