Sure, it’s a new year but I am no different on January 1st as I was on December 31st. So why get all hyped about a new year if nothing has really changed with the tick of the clock at midnight?
I believe that psychologically, it allows us to work with a clean mental slate. We can consider all the goofs and mistakes of 2015 as gone forever. All accounting is reset to Zero. All is fresh. It is like starting a new project with a level and clean slab. Now we can make the project beautiful without the encumbrances of past errors to get in our way. Or can we? Should we?
I am always optimistic that “this year” will be better than “last year”. But if I do the same things the same way as I have in the past, why would the results be any different? It takes a forceful retrospect and objectiveness to look at one’s efforts, successes and failures, then take action to enhance the winning moves and alter the faulty ones.
Whether it's product selections in your business (Man, why do I have identical schemes on engineered white oak ceruse from 60 different manufacturers?!), or the guys you have continually showing up late (and you think the flip of a monthly calendar will get them to come in on time now? Really?) No aspect of your business or personal life should go without being scrutinized.
It is easy to lip sync changes, but unless you commit to them with something other than your (failing) memory, we all slide back to the same grooves we have lived with.
So here is what I have pinned up above my desk so I see it every day I come to work:
I wish you all a better 2016!