- Posted on October 6, 2011
The Home Stretch
It's the beginning of October, which I sometimes think of as the start of the home stretch for 2011. It's a good time to review what you wanted to achieve this year, your actual accomplishments, and a realistic assessment of what you can do in the next 87 days.
I've talked to a few people recently who are ready to "write off" their results for this year for various reasons. I'm stunned to hear such comments, but have no doubt that their results will reflect this attitude.
As you've heard me say many times, setting goals puts you ahead of most of the population, but monitoring them, tracking your actual results, and making course corrections along the way is an entirely different matter.
I think the following exercise is worth doing, and a great way to manage your expectations:
- Quantify your results and accomplishments through September.
- Determine the high points and the disappointments.
- Keep doing more of what you did to achieve the high points.
- Revisit the "why" behind the disappointments so see if you need to make changes or stay the course.
- Create a one-page 12-week plan to navigate your way through the rest of 2011.
This won't take long to do, and it will help you (re)focus. And after you complete this exercise, I want you to do two more things.
First, celebrate the accomplishments, so that you truly acknowledge what you've achieved. Second, be accountable for the disappointments.
Don't blame the economy, your brother-in-law or one of my personal favorites, "I didn't have time". If you really didn't have time, you need to think about how you actually spent that time and what you might need to change.
Embrace what the rest of this year offers. Commit to doing your best work in the months ahead. And, let me know how you're doing with this. I'd really like to hear from you!
Have a great week!
Copyright 2011 Lisa M. Aldisert
Quote of the Day
"All things on earth point home in old October; sailors to sea, travellers to walls and fences, hunters to field and hollow and the long voice of the hounds, the lover to the love he has forsaken."
- Thomas Wolfe
October 6th Trivia
This is National Pasta Month, somewhat loosely tied with Columbus Day (celebrated this coming Monday in the U.S.). Follow the link for 10 ways to demonstrate your love of pasta.
On this Day in History
For all of you baseball fans, in 1880 the Cincinnati Reds were kicked out of the National League for selling beer. My, how times have changed...