This is my first blog post of 2013 and as I first did in 2011 and then again in 2012, I am sharing the three words that frame my personal and business plan for this year. Two years of watching these three word sketches become reality is proof enough for me that goals and plans unwritten never get done. The other benefit I’ve come to realize is that each year of this direction-setting method builds on the previous years. When you follow a plan for a full year, it becomes part of who you are and how you live and work.
Change the World
The three-word method of planning and direction setting works because of its simplicity. You’re creating a framework against which you can evaluate daily decision making. Your daily work and task completion should support the vision of your world that the three words create in your mind. Stick with that decision-making method and by the middle of the year you’ll realize you’ve changed the world … your world.
The 2013 Plan Discussed
I started thinking about my three-word plan earlier than I have the previous two times through this exercise. If fact, if you are a regular reader you may recognize these three words as the topics of the last three blog posts of 2012. Below is my explanation of each of my three words and a link to each respective blog post.
The Why: Passion
My “why” for the year is to only do the work that is driven by an inner passion.
Like most things in life, passion has a yin and yang associated with it. A singular passion can turn you into a one-dimensional person. Singularity of purpose and intense focus for short periods of time can be very constructive. The tricky part is to break out of that cycle and find competing passions to remain or become a balanced human being. [Read More…]
The How: Footprints
My “how” for the year is to leave both online and traditional footprints that share my passion for education with the world.
Mix things up a bit and get outside your comfort zone. We’re taking a hard look at the conferences, trade shows and speaking engagements on which we will spend money to participate in next year. These are expensive propositions so a return on investment is essential. Leaving footprints strictly for the sake of leaving footprints doesn’t cut it when the dollar outlay is high. [Read More…]
The Who: Education
My “who” for the year is existing and prospective customers with whom I will freely share subject matter expertise.
By sharing your subject matter expertise for free in advance of the sale, you create an educated potential consumer for your product or service. That educated consumer will probably also have some loyalty to you for providing the knowledge necessary to improve their business processes and bottom line profitability. [Read More…]
And now it’s your turn: What’s your plan for 2013 expressed in three words or whatever format makes the most sense to you?