By Michael Gidlewski

Throughout the month of October, we focused on elements of strategic planning: core purpose, core activities, and strategic positioning. If you would like to learn solutions for common problems in these areas, you can download The Strategic Planning Springboard by clicking here.

Now, I want to drill down our focus to year-end reflection and planning. This is a topic that makes some of us groan, “I don’t have time!” I know it can seem like that, but the reason you don’t have time is because you haven’t consistently committed to these processes.

The pressure to get more done in less time, with less people, and with fewer resources will continue to hammer us. In the next four to five years, we will see more change than in the past 25. We will continue to be bombarded with information, apps, and e-mails at lightning speed. Therefore, it is critical to understand that the only security you have is you. You are the CEO of You Inc. and the sooner you realize that the better off you will be. In a world that is changing faster and faster, we recognize a profound need in people everywhere to learn new and alternative ways of thinking and acting in order to grow and prosper.

Let me ask you a question: Are you playing to win or are you playing not to lose? Are you playing full out in the game of business in the new economy, in the new normal? Are you continuing to grow your own contribution factor?

Long ago, when I was with Success Motivation Institute, I discovered an important strategy that has allowed me and my clients to continually improve performance (personal and business) every year. Every year in the fall, I go off to a retreat setting and really work on my goals. And now, I take time off during the year and reflect on where I am and where I am going.

It’s called an Annual Year-End Review & Reset, and it’s all about leveraging knowledge and experience. To experience consistent growth, you need to leverage your past experience for all it’s worth.

I want to show you how to do this at my upcoming Swift Kick workshop. The idea is to create a game plan for the following year, and then over the next couple of months, really tweak it into shape. You will leave with an overall outline of “what really matters most” in your life and business and what really matters least, so the important goals get a priority position and actually get achieved. It is time to create space in your life for reflection and planning. It is a waste of time, energy, and resources to keep going if you don’t know where you’re headed.

On Wednesday, Dec. 5, I will be hosting The Swift Kick, a half-day program at Penn State Great Valley that will enable business owners, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to gain clarity, define their focus, and improve their results. Click here to register.

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Michael Gidlewski is President of West Chester-based Achievement Unlimited, Inc., as well as a growth catalyst and motivational speaker. He works with motivated business owners and entrepreneurs to clearly define the elements of what they dearly want their businesses and lives to look like, then helps them connect all the moving parts that make up those visions to consistent action and habits. Michael can be reached at 610-793-6609 or via e-mail at michael@achievable.com.

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