To Achieve List

As we embrace the holiday season, a time for reflection and aspiration, I find myself revisiting a mantra that has guided much of my career: "If you want the things you never had, then you must do the things you've never done." This powerful statement has been a beacon, leading me through uncharted territories in my professional journey.

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However, with time and reflection, especially in moments like these during the holiday season, I've come to appreciate a more nuanced approach to personal and professional growth. It's an approach that balances the excitement of the new with a deep understanding of what truly matters.

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This shift in perspective has been enlightening. It has taught me that while it's important to step out of our comfort zones, it's equally vital to know why we're doing so. What are we aiming to achieve? Are these goals in harmony with our core values and long-term aspirations? These questions have become my guiding stars, helping me navigate not just toward success, but toward fulfillment.

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Embracing this mindset doesn't mean we stop pursuing what we've never done. Rather, it means we pursue these paths with a clearer vision and purpose. We learn to discern which opportunities align with our deepest desires and which are merely distractions. This discernment is not innate; it's a skill honed through experiences, reflections, and sometimes, the hard lessons learned along the way.

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As we move forward into the new year, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey. Consider the paths you've taken and the ones you aspire to tread. Are they leading you towards what you truly want? Remember, the pursuit of the unknown is most rewarding when it's aligned with the essence of who we are and what we genuinely aspire to achieve.

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In my journey, the principles of corporate strategy setting have been unexpectedly transformative when applied to my personal life. This methodical approach to clarity and direction in business can be equally powerful in charting our personal paths. It involves setting clear objectives, understanding our resources and constraints, and making deliberate choices about where to focus our energies.

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The decision to leave a senior executive role at a publicly traded company was not made lightly. It was the culmination of meticulous life strategy planning, where the metrics of success shifted from conventional measures like salary and status to more personal ones like health, family, happiness, and impact. This shift was not just a change in direction, but a redefinition of what it means to live a successful life.

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As we stand on the cusp of 2024, I not only extend a challenge to you but also want to share a practical approach that has been instrumental in my life. Over the past few years, I have dedicated the last two weeks of the year to reflection and planning. This is not just any planning; it’s a focused exercise in crafting a 'to achieve' list that is clear, specific, and action-oriented.

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To make this process effective, here are some steps I follow:

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1.?????? Reflect and Evaluate: Look back at the past year. What were your successes and learning experiences? What brought you joy and fulfillment?

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2.?????? Set Clear and Specific Goals: Your 'to achieve' list should be more than just aspirations. It should be a set of well-defined goals. For instance, instead of saying 'I want to be healthier,' specify 'I want to be able to run a full marathon in under 2 hours.'

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3.?????? Develop a Massive Action Plan: Each goal on your 'to achieve' list should have a corresponding action plan. What steps will you take to accomplish these goals? Break them down into daily, weekly, or monthly tasks.

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4.?????? Chunk Down Big Goals: If a goal seems too daunting, break it into smaller, more manageable parts. This makes the process less overwhelming and helps maintain momentum.

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5.?????? Regular Review and Adaptation: Life is dynamic, and so should be your plans. Regularly review your goals and the progress made. Be open to adapting your strategies as needed.

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Remember, success is not just about reaching the top of a ladder; it's about ensuring that the ladder is leaning against the right wall. As we embark on this new year, let's aim not just for more, but for more of what truly matters. Let’s make 2024 a year of intentional growth, meaningful achievements, and steps toward a life that fulfills not just our ambitions, but our innermost desires.

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Wishing you all a reflective holiday season and a purposeful new year ahead. May your reflections lead to revelations, and your plans pave the way for a life rich in fulfillment and joy.