2012 – fresh thinking but not necessarily a new beginning

Prosperity.  Hope.  Success.  These are just some of the things we all look for as a new year begins.  Nothing wrong with that!  But how do we get there if we continue to do the same things we did last year – and the year before that.

Here are a few ideas to get us thinking differently without having to challenge ourselves to create a totally new beginning for our future…

Learn from the past and create new behaviours – history has always been our greatest teacher.  However, we sometimes forget to apply a changed mindset to those learnings, and we often fall back into what was comfortable.  This is often deadly if that behaviour has not been successful in the past.  So, today’s challenge is: identify 2 or 3 things only that you can learn from the past, then write down what changes you will make in that regard and pin those changes on a board next to your desk.  Make sure you will see that note every day, and live by the changes.  You will find those behaviours will soon become your new norm.

Stay calm and don’t panic – look for small wins and set yourself realistic goals.  When we set goals that are too lofty and challenging we often become panicked by the challenges we perceive.  Set yourself realistic goals and celebrate them with your team when you achieve them.  Panicking will not accomplish anything.

Learn something new – particularly something that will either change the way you look at things, or the way you deal with things.  It could also be something specific to your business by upgrading your skill set.  Remember, we are in an ever-changing environment.  If you are not growing while the world is changing around you, you will be going backwards.

Never stop striving – if you feel you have “arrived”, be careful.  The world is continuing to evolve so you need to keep pushing forward.  As Thomas J Watson once said: “Whenever an individual or a business decides that success has been attained, progress stops”.

Laugh more – you’re probably thinking this is a strange one.  However laughter is the best medicine for the soul, so the more you laugh the clearer you will be able to think.  Try it – you’ll be surprised how well it works.

Finally, Believe in yourself – James R. Cook said it best: “Do just once what others say you can’t do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again”.

Good luck in 2012 – and keep thinking fresh.

Neville Pokroy consults in the areas of strategic marketing planning, as well as in the development and execution of marketing strategies and plans. He assists companies who require marketing expertise to plan and fully execute marketing programs.  If you want to have more choice in marketing your business and in setting yourself apart, and increase the odds of improving company performance, visit our website.