Resolutions? Let’s face it, often we don’t keep them. So, let’s change the word to ‘Commitments’ as in “I am going to make some commitments in my life and in my career”. It feels different – using the word Commitment feels like it has a purpose. So…

After a challenging 2020 with you know what, let’s make 2021 your best with a year’s worth of commitments for a lifetime of positive results:

  1. Set goals. Take a good look at what you want in life. Have you committed to these goals by purposefully taking steps toward reaching them? (Write them down – if you don’t your goals are just wishing). I am currently working with colleagues on www.dosh.org 10 Commitments.
  2. Get a Mentor. Seek out people with the knowledge you desire. Find people you want to be like – now ask them and I promise they will be flattered. In 2020 I was incredibly proud to be a mentor for a number of people within my organisation, for former colleagues and as part of the Charityworks mentoring scheme. I learn just as much from mentees.
  3. Read. Create a personal reading programme by determining how many books of different kinds (personal development, business, nonfiction) you’ll read this year. Don’t skip literary fiction; a recent study shows it improves social skills. I have just finished ‘Yellowhammer’ by James Henry (novel) and just about to started reading ‘A Promised Land’ by one of my hero’s Barack Obama– I recommend both to you.
  4. Improve productivity. Log your activities for a week to assess timewasters. Make sure you aren’t spending chunks of the day on activities that don’t drive your business forward or improve your life. My themes for 2021 will be ‘Time Management and Productivity’.  So, I will look at every part of my professional and personal life and eliminate waste – what am I wasting time on? What am I duplicating? What can I do today that will save me time tomorrow?
  5. Wake up early (momentum). Get up before your household to contemplate what you want to accomplish – then seize the day. (I get up 3 hours before I officially start work – it has worked for me over the last 49 years, in both careers). Although I must admit I struggle a little (my wife says a lot) after 6pm.
  6. Get an accountability partner. Check in regularly to review accomplishments areas for improvement and next steps. Meet them regularly, give them your set of goals and then get them to hold you to account.
  7. Do something you’ve always wanted to do. After 2020 life has felt precarious so don’t wait to live it, just do it. This year I go up an age group for ParkRuns. So, before my competition (who are faster runners than me) reach the same age group, 2021 is the best year for me to come first.
  8. Take small steps. Whatever it is you seek, just get started. Commit to some easy, feasible activity to move you closer to those goals every day. I have always found that looking for small successes and achievements builds my confidence going forward to achieve something very big! The law of marginal gains!
  9. Journal. Whether it’s an idea, a problem you want to solve or an inspiring quote, write it down. “And, now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been” Rainer Maria Rilke
  10. Practice mindfulness. You will improve your effectiveness, well-being and longevity. Research shows that by learning how to stop needless ruminating helps to focus on the here and now. Here is something from what I have learned from Bettina about mindfulness: https://leadershipintheraw.org/2016/03/10/being-bettinas-dad-bettina-transforming-my-life-with-mindfulness/

In 2021 I will take a step back (often) and I will think about what I have in my life and be grateful for everything that comes my way. https://leadershipintheraw.org/2015/09/09/being-bettinas-dad-taking-the-time-to-be-grateful-and-showing-gratitude/ If it happens to be a failure, I will see it as my first and second step towards my next success. I will understand that failure is not permanent, and neither is success, so I will prepare for both this year.

I am always excited by the coming of each New Year, it is an opportunity for change, development, growth and reinvention, both in my personal life and my work. So please join me and: GET UP AND GO! TAKE A LEAP FORWARD in 2021.

Source: Steve Raw www.leadershipintheraw.org

PS Remember LUCK really is preparation meeting opportunity so I hope you have lots of luck in 2021