Stick to the Plan

“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 2024. 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.

At the beginning of every year, many Americans set goals to adopt a healthier lifestyle. One in four Americans made New Year’s Resolutions with the most popular being living healthier—increasing happiness, losing weight, exercising, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol consumption. The University of Scranton reports that of those who made self-improvement resolutions, only 8% of the people will actually achieve them.

In the first part of 2024 we were wrapped up in New Year’s celebrations, Super Bowl parties and preparing the perfect 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 stay on course. You’ve got to work at it! At the end of June you don’t want to face the hard realization that it may be too late to accomplish your goals…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 or 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?

Now is the time to get back on course. Make a plan as to how you will get there. It’s not too late. Stop making excuses. You “predicted the future” when you decided what you wanted to accomplish this year with your resolutions and goals. If you feel overwhelmed, then start small. Set aside 10 minutes every day to work on your plan. Then add more time and increase it 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