Five and 1/2 Resolutions for Accelerating Your Growth in 2008

No organization grows beyond its leader. If you want to grow your business or organization this year, then start with you. The more you grow, the more your organization will grow. So, as we start this New Year, here are a series of resolutions that can help you get to the next level.

1. Intentionally Spend Time with People Outside Your Area of Expertise –Brian Grazer, the producer, credits his continual string of hits to the fact that he meets weekly with people outside his industry. “I want to do things that have a better chance of being thought of as original,” said Grazer in a NY Times article. “I do everything I can to disrupt my comfort zone.” You can do the same. Simply make a commitment this year to meet with people who think differently than you (and when you’re with them, ask and listen, more than talk and promote).

2. Spend an Hour a Day Learning Something – Einstein’s famous line, “We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them,” ought to motivate you to become a continual learner. The problem, of course, is time. However, as a leader, there are few things you can do that are more valuable than thinking. So, why don’t you resolve this year to block off an hour a day (i.e. make an appointment with yourself) to read a book, take an online course, pick the brain of an expert, listen to a teleseminar, do a Mensa puzzle, or learn a language?

3. Sign Up to Receive a Word of the Day. This is quick, easy and painless. Go to www.dictionary.com or www.m-w.com and sign up for a free word of the day. Why? Because there is a direct connection between vocabulary and intelligence. The better formed your vocabulary, chances are, the more precise your thinking will be. Plus, you’ll quickly become known for your devastating perspicacity!

4. Create a Weekly Improvement Plan. In the midst of the tyranny of the urgent, few leaders take the time to evaluate and plan. Refuse to be part of that majority. Instead, over the weekend (or first thing Monday morning), take out a journal or yellow pad of paper and take an hour to evaluate what worked, what didn’t and what needs to change. Then create a plan to make sure that this coming week will be better than last week. It doesn’t get any more complicated than that. But if you’ll actually do this every week, I guarantee it’ll change you and your business forever.

5. Ask Yourself Two Questions Every Day – Every morning, as you arise, ask yourself, “What are the three most important things I can do today to grow my business?” Then, in the evening ask, “Did I do them?” Do this every day for a year, and you’ll have accomplished over 750 “most important” things.

5 ½. Take More Time Off (period). No discussion. Just do it! You’ll be better because of it.

2008 has the potential for being an incredible year. But if that’s going to be true, it’ll be because you started in the right place. You started with you! Growing organizations are always led by growing leaders.


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