Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. – MLK Jr.
I came across the above quote today as I was reviewing an excellent book called Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high. I’d recommend you pick up a copy if you are anyone facing hard conversations.
While spending time preparing for a workshop I’ll soon be helping facilitate in Montana, I came across the MLK quote listed above. It got me to thinking about how I’d like to see 2013 go. In light of what MLK said, I’d encourage you to take a personal inventory of the things you’d like to accomplish in 2013 by working through three simple questions.
- This next year, what needs to happen that matters most? (personally, or in my leadership)
- In light of that most important thing that needs to happen, what needs to happen this month that will take me (or us) there?
- Knowing what needs to happen this month, what needs to happen this week as a micro-initiative that will lead to maximum impact?
Working through these simple questions could put you on track to addressing what matters most for 2013. You need to do it weekly, but there’s one piece you can’t forget: you need someone to regularly follow up and hold you accountable to your goals or else you’ll never have really executed anything. Who might that person be?
I hope 2012 held successes & lessons learned for you. Make 2013 the year you address the things that matter most. Happy New Year!