How To Make 2014 Amazing

Gosh we all say it.  We want it.  Success - Money - A life -  I'm gonna do it!  How many times have you said, 20?? will be my best year ever?  If you read my blog, you might have seen this statement on some post at least once in the new year ever since I have been blogging.  Every year I proclaim this will be my best year ever... yet every year you can pretty much call me a liar...I would agree....until I made some changes in 2012 that I still struggle with today. Some habits take longer than 90 days to form especially if you absolutely hate the task at hand.  

My business is a never ending flow of a to do list much like a full time REALTOR.  The way my brain has been trained throughout life a never ending to do list can cause havoc in your focus, your routine and drive you nuts.  Yup that was me I was constantly stressed, never had enough time to do things, for myself, my clients and my friends and family.  

So I changed a few things:

1.   I gave up my to do list instead I switched to Google calendar and scheduling time instead. I gave up the words a To Do list and Every hour, every day, every week and month.  My whole life is put on the calendar.  Scheduling has been my best friend this year and also my enemy.  I still don't use the calendar as I should but I do use it and it has made a big improvement in my productivity and the quality of my life.    

2.  Give up one time waster for a year.  I used to be addicted to online games...yup the candy crush, monster world and bejeweled has a way of sucking you in and 6 hours later.....  Need I say more?  If I really have the need to play a game.  I'll schedule it and enjoy it and then remove.  If you are running out of time in your day...there is something you may have to delegate, rid yourself of or change the way you do things.

3.  Re-evalute your work every few months...what is costing you money? Costing you time from your loved ones? Is there a better way to do things...not faster a better way.  Many shortcuts cost you business, free time and peace because of the damage control that often occurs when you take short cuts.  Re - evalute your work and make changes based on what you see and what you need.

4.  See more people - Give yourself x amount of time on the computer each day.  The more people you see the more relationships you will build.  Sure the net is an easy way to build online relationships.  If you are doing business locally spend time with local folks.  

5.  Get the word stress out of your business and life - every day happenings, high demand customers, deadlines, family life can cause people stress.  All of these are just part of business, dealing with people and having a life.  When you feel too much tension or stress walk away until you get your composure back.  Stress causes people to say some rotten things, act in a way that is less becoming and someone else is usually on the receiving end of your stress.  Take a walk, listen to some tunes...go hug your spouse...just because you work hard and live hard doesn't mean life has to be stressful.  Stress isn't cool...stress is a killer.

6.  Listen More - Often times salespeople are too busy selling.  When you go on a tangent you are likely missing what is important to your customer or client.  Ask more questions rather than control every conversation.  Talkers miss the signals from other people because they are too busy selling themselves.  

7.  Be direct with people - This is so important...if you lead someone on because you can't say no or you don't want to be the bearer of bad news will only keep the conversation the same and continuous.  People tend to think you are hiding something when you beat around the bush. Don't keep people guessing..if you do refer to #5.    

8. Whatever is important to you in life - make sure and have plenty of time to do it.  Set your priorities.  Nothing will kill your productivity by begrudging yourself of an enjoyable life.  Playing hard is a gift from working hard..make time for what you love outside of your business. 

9.  Take time out and look at your progress - In life we tend to be our worst critics.  Take time out and notice and appreciate your progress.  The Joyce Meyer saying comes to mind...I'm not where I need to be, Thank God I am not where I used to be!"  Focus on your progress and keep moving forward.

10.  Show The  VIP's in Your Life How Much They Mean To You - Those that contribute in your daily life...your friends, your family and those that love you the most.  sharing appreciation and goodness will only bring out the good in people.  

What changes have you made in 2013 are you going to carry over into 2014?  This is just a small list of things that have helped me to have a better today, tomorrow and next week!  Before we know it, it will be 2014.  I won't be saying that I am going to have the best year ever...instead I'll say I'm gonna have an amazing 2014.