survive and thrive

  Things You Can Do
 to Make 2006 the
Best Ever
by Marc Beauchamp

    Well 2005 is behind us, it’s over, finished and it’s now time to look ahead to the possibilities that 2006 may hold. This is one of my favorite times of the year because it gives us all an opportunity to catch our breath and set our sights on the future.
    Instead of the typical new years resolutions, why don’t you commit to taking some real action to catapult your life and business in the right direction. Here are 7 actions you can take to ensure your 2006 is the best ever.

Create Your Outcomes.

    Hopefully you read my article last month! If you haven’t set your goals and vision for 2006, now is the time. The most important ingredient to any plan is to create the actions you’re committed to taking to accomplish your desired outcomes. Massive action is the key component that will enable you to have a stellar year.

Get Motivated.

    If you’ve written powerful goals, just a daily review should bolster your motivation. One of the biggest influences on your motivation level is your attitude, we’ve all heard the saying “Attitude determines your altitude,” and I believe this to be true, especially in the merchant services industry.
    Think of attitude as your “Personal Filter” through which you experience the world. Some people see the world through a filter of pessimism, others through a filter of optimism. Some see unlimited opportunity; others see obstacles at every turn. Your attitude helps shape your perception of the world.
    Successful people foster a positive attitude; they stay focused on “can” instead of “can’t.” They see possibilities instead of limitations.

Create an Hour of Power.

    If you’ve ever listened to a Tony Robbins audio, one of his recommendations is to create an Hour of Power; this has been one of the best practices I’ve personally incorporated in my morning routine.   This is different for everyone but your hour of power can be a good time to exercise, focus on your goals, remember what your grateful for, read spiritual or educational material and just check in to make sure your living your life purpose. If you do this one step alone, I guarantee you it will change your life drastically. If you can’t commit to an hour try 10-15 minutes to start.

Get physical.

    Start and maintain an exercise program. If you’re not into heavy exercise, just start by walking 5 days a week for 30 minutes. Exercise will help you maintain a healthy body, relieve stress and give you the energy you need to succeed in your business. If you don’t maintain your health the rest of the equation will go unsolved.

Get Smart.

    This year commit to continuing your education and expanding your knowledge base.  This could be an ETA class, motivational/sales seminar or local class at your community college. If your schedule is to tight to take a class buy an audio course you can listen to between appointments, make your car a rolling college.

Get Organized.

    Face facts: the end of the year always results in clutter. It’s time to put those files away, clear your desk off, put those books up and get organized. Life gets busy during the holidays, visiting people, buying gifts, etc., stuff piles up, if you are not using it today get rid of it!
    Implement a contact management system like ACT or Goldmine. If you don’t like computers Franklin Covey planners and Tony Robbins’ Rapid Planning Method are two great systems to get and stay organized.

Foster Relationships. 

    Sit down with your address book and contact everybody listed. Call them. Write them a letter. Send them a postcard. Or even a quick email just to say, "Hi!" I’ve never heard of anyone on their death bed ask to see their bank statement one more time, or their diploma, or their portfolio. They ask for family, friends and loved ones. Life is all about relationships, make sure you tend, grow and repair the relationships in your life. There you have it, a foolproof plan to make this year the best you have ever experienced. Now just go live it! Happy 2006!