“We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” –Nelson Mandela
We mark time in years, months, days, hours, minutes and seconds. Sometimes a millisecond will make a difference and sometimes a year won’t matter in the long run.
Time is the only resource we all share equally.
Resolutions are a way to make us pay attention to the past and try and make the future better by directing how we will spend some of our time. Does anyone want to make this year worse? I don’t think so.
Checklists are big in my life and often doing smaller things regularly will lead to BHAGs – big hairy audacious goals. My local chamber luncheon will be a monthly event on my checklist – twelve times – including drive time, that will be 30 hours of concentrated immersion with upbeat business people during 2014. Now, think about if 50% of all the members chose to do that with me! Attitude is contagious and the goal may be to connect with one new person at each meeting; business growth can’t help but follow.
What are you building this year in your business life and personal life that will have a long term impact? As a mother, I know raising productive citizens is a great achievement but it wasn’t done alone and there is so much more to do beyond my family. Here are three ideas to get you thinking:
- Recognize a peer, employee, teacher or neighbor through a local award. In Maumee, Ohio we have Hometown Heroes. Simple recognition is often in this busy world a lost art.
- Commit to attending membership meetings of the association or trade group you already belong with a defined goal for the meeting.
- Find a place to volunteer. There are many opportunities, find one that helps you feel good and do good. Be clear when you start how much time you will be willing to give.
What’s on your checklist?
May 2014 be the year of your dreams.
