Four D’s of Achievement
The new year, which is already under way, allows us an opportunity to reassess our approach to business, make plans for improving performance and production, and to set goals. Goals (maybe you prefer to call them objectives) have a way of becoming self-fulfilling, but only if there is a definite plan to achieve them. Here are the Four D’s of Achievement for your consideration:
- Desire for change
- Decision to take action
- Discipline to practice new behaviors
- Determination to persist until you get the desired results
Simple, but not easy! The hard part is sticking with your plan.
There are many distractions and as the days roll on, we tend to lose sight of our objective. However, maintaining our objective is crucial. Personally, I learned this lesson years ago. This lead me to develop a morning routine that kept me focused and still does. You may find this routine helps you stay focused:
- Start your day early, reviewing your strategic plan for success
- Determine one thing you can do today, that will move you closer to your goal
- Create a list of the three most important things you need to accomplish today
Do these things first, each day, before reading e-mail, before reviewing voice-mail, or reading the paper. Begin your day with a vision of achieving your goals and advancing your business. When you have completed this exercise, move on to correspondence. Send e-mail messages to your contacts, offering assistance, support, congratulations, encouragement, or simply to say hello. Starting the day with this positive action will set the tone for your entire day. This method has worked many years for me . . . now I offer it to you.
Now, you are ready to face the day with purpose, courage, and commitment. Do it now!