The WhIP Journal
December 2005 Power Your Practice – THE WhIP JOURNAL [What Helps In Practice]
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In This Issue:
- HOW WAS YOUR YEAR IN 2005? – The same as last year and the year before that?
- THAT IS SUCH A GOOD THOUGHT…
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HOW WAS YOUR YEAR IN 2005? – The same as last year and the year before that?
At the end of December 2004, William was facing another year pretty much the same as the one before. Which wasn’t a bad thing, necessarily. He was able to make a fairly good income from running his professional practice, but it was generated from working too many hours, with too many problems, too many staff/support issues, and too many professional changes.
William hadn’t prepared a business plan or a goals statement for the new year. He didn’t really think about it too much and didn’t really consider it a priority.
So the year 2005 began for William, very much like the year before. And the year before that.
Fortunately, 2005 has ended very differently for William. Great things happened for him. He may not have begun 2005 with a new plan and commitment for change, but somewhere during the year, he decided he wasn’t going to continue along the same path anymore. He was going to make some definite changes to direct his business the way he wanted. He wanted to work more ON his business and he wanted more of a life. He wasn’t sure how to make all the necessary changes, so he hired a business coach to come in and help him. At first, he worked on some changes just for himself. However, before too long, his business partner, Madelaine, wanted to be involved because she saw some of the positive changes that were taking place for William and even for their firm. William is now planning his business strategy for 2006, with eagerness and anticipation.
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it." --Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
How has your 2005? Was it very much like the year before? And the year before that?
Would you call it a ‘successful’ year? Did you accomplish the things that you wanted to?
When you reflect on your past year you either think it was a great year, nothing special, or a lousy year. Whatever kind of year you had, are you happy about it? Did you help design it and create it? Do you look forward to another year of the same or do you have a business strategy for making things happen the way you would like them to?
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is."
-Mary Ann Radmacher
So, what will happen if you write a business plan and set some strategic goals? Will great miracles happen by virtue of writing out some goals? Will your life and business become perfect? No, of course not, but you will greatly increase your chance of success if you actually define what it is you want to achieve. The key to making this work is in your goal setting. Here are some important considerations when setting your goals:
>Set specific, tangible, measurable goals
>Make sure your goals are in line with your core values, your mission, and your passion. (If you’re not clear on what your core values are, then start there)
>Design your environment to support your goals. This includes your physical environment, your knowledge and training, your work-life balance, your staff, your technology, and your habits and the things you tolerate.
>Aim high for inspiration. “Make not little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.” -Daniel H. Burnham
>Take small steps every day towards your goals. It’s the consistent, but manageable steps each day that will enable you to realize your big plans.
>Share your goals with someone. Not only will it make you accountable, but it’s better to share the ups, downs and challenges with someone.
>Take time to think about and visualize what it will be like to actually attain your goals. It will help to re-motivate and inspire you.
I wish you a fabulous year in 2006!
Debra
THAT IS SUCH A GOOD THOUGHT…
Thoughts worth reading, thinking, repeating and embracing.
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he had imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."
-Henry David Thoreau
I hope you’ve found value in this month’s copy of THE WhIP JOURNAL.
My best regards to you,
Debra Dowdell
For more information, or to share your firm’s story please contact:
Bus: 905-951-9773 Toll-free: 888-272-2735 Fax: 905-951-9956
57 Goodfellow Crescent Bolton, ON L7E 5X6
This is an Opt-in No-Fee monthly ezine/newsletter from Debra Dowdell. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to it. You may unsubscribe or change your information at any time at Details@PowerYourPractice.com. Your information will never be given away, sold, or rented. Ever. Thank you.
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