Planning for 2015

"Commitment is different. It's different than a goal or a dream or a wish or even a plan. Commitment is done. Complete, already, in your soul. Finished. It's something that you can count on and the world can count on. You are committed. As far as human power goes, it's unlike anything else in the world.

 It's what we can count on from you. Not what we're hoping for."

 - Steve Chandler

Over the last few weeks I have been meeting and working with clients on their Strategic Planning Process Documents for 2015 and Q1. We have been reviewing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Trends/Threats. The Strengths don't change that much, but it feels great to see some of the Weaknesses come off the list. That is why I do what I do - to hear them say "no" when I ask if it is still a weakness, and they take it off their list. Progress and results - that is the payoff for committing to executing the plan.

I then always ask them what one or two Big Things they committed to and accomplished in 2014 that had the biggest impact on their business. Again reinforcing the results that have been attained by focusing on some big issues, committing and working on their business versus working in it.

Now we come to planning for the New Year. Prior to meeting, I have them complete their Destination Postcard for 2016. This concept is simple but powerful. Imagine you are sitting down on January 1, 2016 and writing a postcard to yourself about how 2015 went. The goals you achieved, the 2-3 Big Things you accomplished that made the business better. How do you feel about it? What does your day, your week look/feel like?  This is then kept on their desk for the whole year to remind them of the commitment they have made to make that postcard become reality.  

Next we review the goals for 2014 and the actual results, and set new goals for 2015 from the postcard they did last year.

Remember - commitment to these goals, actions and plans means they are done, you will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Here is to your 2015 - commit to some planning of your own and complete your destination postcard. If you want to review it with someone, please send it along to me and I'll call you back and provide my thoughts and questions. A gift and a commitment from me to you.

All the best, 

Rick Wallace