I had a good year. In between some minor disappointments, there was a lot of good news for business and personal successes. That’s the way it should be and I hope that your year was good also.

Human nature can make us very good at recognizing the things that didn’t go right in the past year and blind to the bright spots. If you had a less than terrific year, apply the pilot’s test to your personal situation. When a pilot is flying a plane and gets warnings of trouble with his aircraft, the first thing he asks himself is, “Are we still flying?” This simple question is an immediate indicator of the seriousness of the problem. Assuming that the answer is yes, then the pilot proceeds to solve the problem with the aircraft with a calm and deliberate approach.

Assuming that you have some things you want to change in your business in 2006 and the business is still flying, then capitalize on the bright spots and get ready to enter a new calendar year.

I’ve read about this technique for making change from several sources, maybe you have too. On December 31, as business owner or manager, fire yourself!

I’m serious. Say the words, “You are fired” on the last day of the year. Then, on January 1, 2006 hire yourself to begin the new calendar year without the traits, habits, practices and quirks you want to leave behind. The person you hire will have replaced the bad habits with the new habits and practices you admire.

Your newly hired self may now be:

1. A better listener
2. More decisive
3. A better business promoter
4. More creative
5. More focused
6. Better at relaxing
7. Physically Fit

You can make your own list:

1. ______________________
2. ______________________
3. ______________________
4. ______________________
5. ______________________
6. ______________________
7. ______________________

Sometimes change is as simple as making a clean break. Being fired is as clean a break as I know. There is no uncertainty about it.

If your business or personal life has symptoms of turbulence, low altitude or dropping pressure, it’s time to make adjustments now to keep your plane flying. When the nose drops and the horizon becomes the ground may be too late.

If you are serious about making changes in your business in 2006, be serious about making it happen.

Change your way of doing business by creating a three year plan. My 8 simple strategies for success can help you learn this and other techniques for success. Want to learn more? click here

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreter of their thoughts." -- John Locke

"No flying machine will ever run from New York to Paris. . . {because} no known motor can run for the requisite speed for four days without stopping." -- Orville Wright

"Words without actions are the assassins of idealism." -- Herbert Hoover

A visit to the ski shop to get the children outfitted for another ski season put me in the holiday spirit. Partly, because it was nostalgic for me since my father first put me on skiis when I was 5 years old. We’d always make a visit for new boots or skis or clothing around Christmas. The equipment has changed dramatically, but ski shops haven’t changed much since then. The bells on the doors still ring when the door opens and closes, the staff loves the sport and optimism reigns for a good season of plentiful snow.

Skiing is one of the few sports you can enjoy from youth to rocking chair. Individuals pick their own pace and style when going down the hill and at the end of the day, each person benefits from a day of fresh air, exercise and relaxation.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that the first run of the season is always the sweetest. It’s a personal refresher course in style, balance and dancing with gravity.

Whoosh. This is my last newsletter for 2005. See you next year or on the ski hill.

Doug

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