When we think of inventory, we often think of a storage room or warehouse full of merchandise to be sold. The inventory I want talk about today is our personal inventory. It’s January – the time for New Year’s resolutions, revised business plans and targets, and a fresh start!
I did an exercise with the youth at the shelter I volunteer at and wanted to share it with you:
- Make a list of your habits.
- Divide them into two categories, those that serve you (aka good habits) and those that hinder your progress (aka bad habits).
It’s helpful to look at this exercise from a personal and business standpoint. Often the two overlap for entrepreneurs anyway! This exercise should be done as part of your “what’s working/what isn’t” review that should be a part of your 2013 recap. Whether it’s spending too much time on Facebook or not enough time getting leads and referrals, we have to be honest with ourselves about the things we’re doing (or not doing) that are hindering our progress.
We all know that habits are hard to break, but when those habits are hindering your personal and professional/business growth, it’s time to take notice and take action! It’s said that it takes 21 days to develop a new habit. That’s it. 21 days of consistent effort will get you closer to opening up the channels that contain all the good stuff that’s going to help you be a better entrepreneur, mate, friend or parent. There are going to be challenges. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall back into old habits. Acknowledge the slip up and why it happened and move on.
The habits we want to release took time to become a part of our daily routine. It’s going to take time and commitment to let them go and develop new ones that will help you to take your life to the next level. Try not to overwhelm yourself. When we’re making the list of our habits, it can be easy to get carried away focusing on all of our negative habits. We’re not going to change all of them at once. Focus on one or two that you feel are manageable and work your way up to the bigger ones. Remember that small successes will build momentum.
If you need help, ask for it. An accountability partner is a great help when you’re working on making changes in your life. Surround yourself with positive people. We all have changes we want to make; we might as well support one another to ensure that we all achieve success!
Sandra Dawes is a certified life coach specializing in helping women who feel unfulfilled with their 9-5 follow their dreams and pursue their passions. She holds an Honours BA, an MBA as well as a certificate in Dispute Resolution.She has completed her first book,Embrace Your Destiny: 12 Steps to Living the Life You Deserve!
Connect:
www.embraceyourdestiny.ca
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestiny
www.facebook.com/embraceyourdestinythebook
www.twitter.com/sandradawes