Here we are the week after Thanksgiving. It’s hard to believe there are only four weeks left in the year. That’s four weeks to wrap up all your unfinished business, close a few more deals, tie up all your loose ends, get your business plans completed and set yourself up for success in the coming new year.
These are the best of intentions that many of us have here in the aftermath of the Thanksgiving holiday. This is what we all hope to accomplish in the coming weeks. There is but one slight problem with this plan- Retailers have taken over the planet and in a sense they are attempting to take over your life.
Take a good look around you this morning and tell me what you see and hear? Visions of sugar plumbs, and holiday cheer. All this crafted with one thing in mind, to drain your wallet of every last dime! (Sorry, just couldn’t help myself)
Look, the retailers entire year is usually made or broken during these next four weeks so it’s no surprise that they are putting on a full court press creating offers to get you shopping in their stores and on-line all with the intent of helping you provide the perfect “Norman Rockwell” holiday for your family and those you care about.
And don’t kid yourself- the retailers are REALLY GOOD at doing this and they are blowing their yearly advertising budgets to make sure you do anything but work over the next few weeks.
Holiday songs on the radio 24/7, flash offers of massive discounts on your computer screens, holiday decorations in our stores that would make all the Whos in Who-Ville proud. And don’t forget those end of the year work, family and friend parties you’ve been looking forward to.
All of these distractions can derail your work plans, and ultimately your plans to kick off the new-year on the right foot. This is the main reason why so many of us will limp into 2017 as opposed to being focused and on track ready to achieve our goals and objectives.
Look, I’m not trying to throw a humbug like Mr. Scrooge upon your holiday festivities, as I love the season just as much if not more than anyone. As a business coach, I’m imploring you to take a good look at the next four weeks and schedule EVERYTHING.
Start by writing out your business goals and objectives through year-end.
Who do you need to reach out to? What do you need to get buttoned up?
This is a great time of year to actually work because no one else is. That means you can easily reach your clients and prospects to schedule for January and February. Everyone is in a good mood, so even your toughest clients will be happy to hear from you.
After you write out your business objectives, schedule all your personal events.
Put your holiday parties on the calendar. Schedule your family time and outings with friends. Schedule an afternoon or two to go shopping at a real store or on-line. Schedule some “goof off time” as well because you never know what or who is going to “pop-in” over the holidays.
The key message here is to take a few minutes to plan out your holidays because trust me is you don’t- the retailers will be most happy to do it for you!
This week ask yourself:
What are my key business objectives over the next four weeks?
Who do I need to reach out to and have a conversation or schedule an appointment?
How have I planned for my personal, family and friends time over the coming weeks?
What’s my budget for gifts this year? (Your choice or the retailers)
How am I setting myself up for success in the coming weeks so that 2017 is my best year ever?
Thoughts for the week:
Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle! –unknown
If I had nine hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first six sharpening my ax. –Abe Lincoln
You were born to be a winner, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. –Zig Ziglar
Nobody ever wrote down a plan to be broke, lazy, or stupid. Those things are what happen when you don’t have a plan. –Larry Winget
If you want something new you have to stop doing something old. –Peter Drucker
Anxiety is caused by lack of control, organization, preparation, and action. –David Kekich
The will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare. –Bobby Knight
Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now. –Alan Lakein
Cheers to the holiday season- make is a memorable one!
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