Rick Damato
It is evident to me that 2008 is going to be the kind of year that will require a great deal of planning followed by some remarkable execution to achieve success in business and life. Planning and measuring always bring about better results, but my senses tell me not to fool around this year. So here are my New Year’s resolutions; I encourage you to work on yours:
Read more.It was three years ago in a series of meetings I attended with a few hundred other folks … I can’t remember exactly where it was or who the speaker was. Typical of that kind of meeting, if it is a really good one, you tend to take away one, two, or maybe three things. I was struck by the simple idea of reading at least one hour every day. Sounds simple, but it had not been my habit to plan or measure my reading habits prior to that point. Since I started measuring it, my reading has increased and it has been fantastic. So I am going to read more and hopefully learn and grow more as a result.
Whine less.I must credit our editor, Chris King, with this one. He made a statement something like (this is not a direct quote), “If I read one more article in the mainstream media by someone who’s just complaining about the economy, I’m going to have to set those whiners straight.” I have never been much of a complainer myself, but it can be contagious in any sort of a team environment. A positive attitude is going to be pure gold in 2008 and I intend to make that part of my M.O. all year.
Work smarter and harder. I have a sense that the world is going to demand that of me. Maybe things will come your way more easily this year, but I am raising my competitive antennae and keeping them up. In order to prevail in 2008, I believe I will have to produce more with less and help a lot of other folks do the same. Embrace change. I actually thrive on change in business and in our industry. Passing on new information (talking or writing about change) is how I make a living. On a personal level, however, I have to admit that I do not like it any better than the next guy. Change, even when it is right and good, is generally hard. This year I am going to expect it and roll with it and make the most of it when it comes. And change - well, even if nothing else comes, change will come.
Enjoy life.Taking the time to relax with “me time” or time with my family is a challenge for me. Not easy to admit that, but it is true and I am going to do better with it in 2008. Really loving my work and enjoying all the people involved and the trappings of it is not a substitute for true relaxation, and it is time I deal with it. Sound like the opposite of “Work harder and smarter”? Perhaps, but if I do a great job of planning, both can and will happen.
Focus.This word has been floating around our shop for months now and I think 2008 will be a great year to get back to basics and focus on what it takes to run and grow a great business. Best wishes for your 2008. May all your plans bloom into fabulous results!
