IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

We all operate in competitive environments where the caliber of our performance determines the level of our success, if not survival.  Improving one's total performance does not have to be an overwhelming undertaking.  I intend to target just one specific performance characteristic for significant improvement this year.  The performance characteristic can be anything critical to what you do - punctuality, attitude, honesty, decisiveness, leadership, thoroughness.  Once the characteristic is selected, it's a matter of establishing a criteria for measuring performance and improvements, and then modifying one's behavior or mindset.  I am convinced that making significant improvements in just one area will enhance my overall performance.  You too can be better at what you do.  What is the one thing you need to improve upon this year?

One way to improve your overall performance is to acquire a new skill.  Given the current economy, acquiring a new skill may be a necessity.  I intend to add a skill that is  critical to my core business.  What skill do you need to acquire?

LIVE WELL

Stress is a consequence of demanding - and often uneven - living.  I've decided it's time to get serious achieving balance in my life.  I intend to sleep, eat, exercise, meditate and pray with greater regularity and in adequate amounts to keep my body, mind and spirit functioning at their best.  How can you achieve greater balance in your own life?

There are many kinds of debts one can accumulate including financial debt (personal and business), social debt (such as owing someone a favor), and emotional/psychological/moral debt (which occurs when one fails to meet an obligation or fails to do what one should - like saying I love you, I'm sorry and thank you at the appropriate time and in an appropriate way).  Debt is problematic because its final cost is usually enormous.  I pledge to deal with my debts in 2003 - to reduce them substantially, if not eliminate them all together.  Are you carrying substantial debt?  Target a major debt and start freeing yourself.

EXPAND HORIZONS

There are many ways you can do good for someone.  You can give someone the opportunity to better themselves. You can mentor, motivate, encourage, train or support someone in your family, community, or organization.  If every individual who reads this page commits to helping someone, the world will be a substantially better place.  How can you make a difference this year?

There are many nonprofessional things you can pursue to enhance the quality of your life, such as becoming a better listener, speaker, instructor, cook, painter, photographer, ball player, dancer, cyclist, craftsman, hobbyist, parent, spouse, etc.  I am determined to develop my creative abilities.  What would you like to do - just for you?

Your significant relationships include family, friends (old and new), co-workers and associates.  We spend so much time at work and glued to our televisions at home that we often neglect the people who give texture and meaning to our lives.  I am determined to be a better to friend, son, brother, uncle, mentor, colleague and manager to the people who matter most my life.  I will begin by reflecting first on the blessings that key relationships have brought to my life, and then I will seek meaningful ways to reciprocate.  What are the relationships that matter most to you and how will you honor them this year? 

We all have things were afraid of: spiders, speaking in public, intimacy, commitment, dentists, doctor exams, heights, tight quarters, and failure - to name a few.  While most of us have learned to avoid our fears, we know that life lived within our comfort-zones has its own price.  Deep within, we know we're not the people we aspire to be, can be and hopefully will be.  This year can be a break-out year.  Are you willing to overcome just one of your fears?