When it is the 8th of January, its certain we had spent 1 week already, stepped into the 2nd week of year and had only 50 full weeks left. Before we say Jack Robinson, we will be counting the last two weeks of the year in December.
I am not sure of what your New Year resolutions were (if you had one) or properly put did you have a plan for the year? I got this reading through Today Matters by John C. Maxwell, "according to a survey taken by Day-Timers, Inc., only one-third of American workers plan their daily schedules. And only 9 percent follow through and complete what they planned."
There is no rule to been effective all year than by making your plan and living it out. So, get the going on, pick a guide, planner or any dedicated material you can get (a notepad is what I use) scribble your agenda first, prioritize them and follow what you have written. They should be Daily, Monthly, Quarterly and Annually.
While doing the above, it is very important to make plans to be the best in what you do this year and that means staying in your strength zone. Like John C. Maxwell detailed in Today Matters, there are four ways to get at your strength zone viz:
- Trial and Error: Get hands-on on what you think you like and evaluate your experience after more than five attempts. It gives a clear view if you should go ahead or find the exit.
- The Counsel of Others: Be sure to ask for evaluations from those who don't have an agenda - other than to help you grow and develop.
- Personality Tests: Examples could be gotten from the Internet
- Personal Experiences: It is important to note, Experience isn't always the best teacher - evaluated experience is!
According to William Gladstone, former British Prime Minister, "He is a wise man who wastes no energy on pursuits for which he is not fitted; and he is wiser still who from among the things he can do well, chooses and resolutely follows the best." The more you stay in your strength zone, the greater your productivity and the greater your ability to reach your potential.
So start the planning now, consider your strength zone and live according to your plans.
You will have fulfilled year, I promise.
