While it may only be January 1st, 2012 – already I know this will be a very good year. Because most of the time, what we get is what we expect. If we have great expectations, it is highly likely that we will get better results and rewards for our efforts than if we choose to expect little.
Why is this so? If we genuinely expect to do well, we approach our lives with a much happier outlook. We see things, not through rose coloured glasses that give a false picture, but with an exuberance and flair that shows our positive outlook.
Rather than set a whole list of New Year Resolutions, I have decided to follow the three word “guiding star” approach – but this year, I will revisit them on a regular basis and keep track of whether I have wandered off the path to my goals.
My three words for 2012 are these:
COMMIT
PLAN
TRUST
Commit: To commit to a path of action means you must do it. There is no place for procrastination – nor can there be any prevarication when confronting oneself over decisions made but not carried out. It means that I will have to think carefully before promising to do something for someone else, because this year I am committed to building Stories My Nana Tells into a world class business. Other people have made commitments to me to help me do this and I must honour their pledges in return.
Plan: To have a plan means you have given thought to a wide range of matters: What it is you want to achieve; by when; how many; how much; by what means; with what resources. It must be in writing and written in positive language that brooks no failure. Potential problems will be examined and solved. Methods will be documented. Timelines will be stated and a series of checklists will keep the plan on target and on time as strategic actions are implemented.
Trust: Trust is far more than a belief that “things will be OK – it will be alright”. Trust must be earned and trust must be honoured. Trust is earned by meeting your commitments and showing yourself to have high standards and good ethics. Trust is honoured by accepting the commitment of others and allowing them to fulfil their pledges to you, without unnecessary enquiry as to how it will be done. Trust is more easily engendered when you have a plan, because your intent is clear to see. If you honour your commitments and plan how to fulfil them, you will have great results and greater rewards. Trust is the acceptance of all good things as your right – because you will have earned them.
During the next few weeks, I will revisit these three words and discuss how they are being applied to building our business at Stories My Nana Tells. That’s my commitment to you. I trust you will take the time, now and again, to keep in touch and see how our plan is being implemented and the results we achieve.
About sharing this post:
Lesley Dewar is a well known blogger and workshop facilitator who writes regularly on Social Media, marketing and customer service in the category of Business Tips
Her free eBook can be downloaded directly at Networking To a Plan Sharing this article is permitted providing this footnote is not deleted – all rights reserved. (c) Lesley Dewar 2012
Looking forward to seeing the results of PCT. Going to be an exciting year!
Thank you very much Mike. I look forward to planning and working with you.
Hi Lesley, What are beautifully clear blog. I love how you described trust!!!! I agree, trust does need to be honored to be real, whether that’s self trust or trust in another.
Thank you for your wise words
Happy 2012
Vanessa
Thank you Vanessa. Setting a path for the next year seemed a bit daunting at first but using those three words put lots of things into clear focus. It was important for me to put the commit first – because without it, all the planning in the world means nothing. Learning to trust that we are worthy of our rewards and results is a huge step and one many of us are reluctant to take. I am looking forward to 2012 with a new vision.
Two of our 3 words are bit a alike. 🙂
Planning and taking action is really essential this year.. 🙂
Thanks, Valerie. I am glad that we are both of the same mind here – because planning without action never gets the real work done.
Thanks Lesley, This is the push I needed to commit to the goals I have been thinking about this past week.
Shelly
Thank you Shelley. I have been ruminating myself on my plans for 2012 and the various steps that have to be thought through to achieve my goals for the year and beyond. Getting things done in the right order is one of the most important things. The most beautiful cart is going nowhere without a horse. 🙂