FROM THE BLOG

Since this is our last “talk” of January, I thought we would end much the same way that we started- with some resolutions and forward thinking for the rest of 2016.

If you are like many, you have already decided against some of the resolutions you thought were a good idea at the beginning of the month. Or if you are like me, you never really set any so now might be a good time to reassess and pull the trigger.

In any event, Jeff Haden, a contributing editor for Inc.com, had some great ideas for what to think about. Take some, take all, whatever you want. Just take something- the only one that can work on yourself is, well, YOU.

Here we go, in no certain order:

1. Do one thing you’ve always been afraid to do. That amazing “oh my gosh, I can’t believe I just did that” feeling is something you haven’t experienced in quite awhile.
2. Apologize for one thing you need to apologize for. Just do it. It will be a load off.
3. Start one thing you’ve always planned to start. Remember, you HAVE nothing until you actually DO something. All the plans, ideas and goals in the world mean nothing unless you actually do something about it.
4. Tell one person how awesome they are. No one receives enough praise. Surprise praise is the gift that costs nothing but is priceless to the recipient. Enough said on this. Someone emailed me a complement out of the blue last week- it energized me like they probably couldn’t know.
5. Prove one person wrong. Use rejection to fuel your motivation to do whatever it takes to succeed. You’ll show them. Call it immature if you want- it works.
6. Ask one person for help. Doing this instantly complements them because it shows that you value them. Plus, you’ll end up receiving help since you asked so it’s really a win-win.
7. Offer to help one person. Some of the best advice I’ve received is this: Don’t ask someone if they need help. Most people will automatically say no. Be specific. “I’ve got a few minutes. Let me do that.” Then do it.
8. Do one thing no one else is willing to do. This can be a hard one. Pick one simple, small thing that most people aren’t willing to do. Then keep going. After awhile, you will be special, incredible and unlike anyone else (not that you aren’t already, but you get the point).
9. Just once, refuse to care what other people think. For instance, if you really want to start your own business, go independent or something of the like and people think you are crazy, forget ‘em. If you want to start working out or meditating or doing something more for your emotional and physical health and people think you are silly or you are afraid what people will think, forget ‘em.
10. Tell one person yes. Your plate is always full and you’re always busy. Go out on a limb and say yes to doing something different.
11. Tell one person no. Still, you can’t do everything.  Sometimes you need to just say no to a favor, request, call for volunteering.  Sometimes you need to spend time on yourself.
12. Fire one person. Not to sound mean, but: sometimes the best addition starts with subtraction. Pick someone who is dragging you down or holding you back, and let them go. Sigh.
13. One time, just let it fly.  This is a hard one for me and I have not committed to tackling this one just yet. There is only one chance to make a first impression and in that case, perfection is the only acceptable answer. Unfortunately, no service or product is perfect, so this gets frustrating. Here’s a thought- work hard, do great work, and let it fly. Your clients will tell you what needs improved and technically, this means that you’ll get to make improvements that actually matter. Let go…at least try. Baby steps.
14. Do something foolish. Sometimes the dumbest things result in our best memories. How many times has something happened that really sucked at the time, but now is one of your best stories?  Embrace the speed bumps.
15. Call your parents. They won’t be around forever. Make the call.

Hopefully, your 2016 is already off to a great start but don’t forgot, resolutions can be made any time of the year and it’s never too late to try things a little differently.

Until next time,

Posted by Tarah Carlow Senior Vice President, Marketing & Advisor Loyalty