Stay the Course
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
I love that Drucker quote! Don’t look for things to happen. Make them happen. Apple “mouse” inventor Alan Kay made a similar statement. “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
March marks the last month in the first quarter of 2022. It’s a great time to check in to see if you are on course with your business and personal goals. For most of us, the self-examination might stop us dead in our tracks, especially if we are behind on our goals. You are not alone.
According to YouGovAmerica, for 2022 only one in four Americans made New Year’s Resolutions with the most popular being living healthier, getting happy, losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption. The University of Scranton reports that of those who made 2022 self-improvement resolutions, only 8% of the people will achieve them.
In the first part of 2022 we were occupied with New Year’s celebrations, COVID-19 protocols for Super Bowl parties and planning Valentine’s Day for loved ones. Now March brings us St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but rest assured you cannot rely on “the luck of the Irish” (even if you are Irish) to succeed. You’ve got to work at it! You don’t want to find yourself at the end of June facing the hard realization that it may be too late to accomplish what you had planned…do you?
Think about what you’re doing every day. If what you are doing is not moving you towards your goals, then it’s moving you away from your goals. Are you applying the 80/20 rule to your daily life? The law of the vital few, also known as the 80/20 rule, states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of all causes. This rule can help you focus on what actions reap the maximum results. Ask yourself if you are focusing on the right 20% to make the most effective use of your time?
It’s not too late to get back on course. Make a plan or plans, as to how you will get there. You “predicted the future” when you decided what goals you wanted to accomplish this year. If you feel overwhelmed, then start small. Set aside 10 minutes every day to work on your stuff. Then increase the time to 20 minutes a day. Over time you will see the results that will help fuel your drive for success.
Invest your time in your goals and your future. Make sure you’re doing everything possible to “create it.” Only you can predict your future. Go for it!
Ralph