I thought it would be worthwhile to share three ideas with you about your 2016 goals that you’ve likely not heard before. Three ideas that are directed at sales professionals. I’ll share these ideas on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week. Without further delay, here is Idea #1…
I always get my annual physical in December, just before Christmas. Since I’m in the worst shape of the year at this time, I figure it’s the best time to get a physical – if I’m ok on December 20th, I’ll be ok any other time of the year. A few years ago, my travel schedule didn’t cooperate with my doctor’s office schedule, so I had to schedule my annual physical in mid-January. I was disappointed because I was starting a new type of diet on New Year’s Day and wanted to use the metrics from my physical as a benchmark. Our scheduling issue was going to screw up my plan. I decided to delay the start of my new diet until the day following my physical, and it worked out perfectly.
Christmas and New Year’s sparks surreal thoughts and ideas… which is part of the beauty of the holidays. I watched Love Actually two nights ago with my wife and in-laws, and their theme of “… and since its Christmas” reminded me of the extraordinary things we do this time of year. However, when setting goals, this dreamlike state influences us to set goals that might be unrealistic or unimpressive. The holiday season affects us – whether your goals are exaggerated high or low, whether you set too many goals or too few – the holidays put us in a state that is less than ideal. Which brings me to Idea #1…
Wait a few weeks to finalize your 2016 goals. If you want to jump in the deep end with everyone else on New Year’s Day, great. However, wait until the 20th or even Feb. 1 to finalize your list of goals, and the goals themselves. You’ll have a much better and more useful list.
I’m looking forward to sharing #2 with your tomorrow – something completely opposite to one of the oldest rules of thumb in goal setting.
