Are you living up to your full potential?

Do you have cabin fever? Are you going stir crazy because you can't get to work in this ice and snow? Why not take advantage of this time to begin establishing your personal and family goals for 2011!

I returned home from teaching at the Winter Institute for Organization Management in Tucson around midnight this past Saturday... just in time to prepare for the snow storm that hit the Southeast. We are still homebound because of snow and the treacherous black ice on sidewalks, driveways, roads and highways. Because of the low overnight temperatures (below freezing), we may not be able to get out for several more days. We are very fortunate to still have electricity at this point.

One of the courses that I taught last week was "IOM & Beyond" for one of the two graduating classes. Among the topics we discussed was "Work / Life" balance. We talked about the critical importance of operational and strategic planning for their associations and chambers of commerce. We also talked about the power of planning in our individual lives.

Studies point out that only three (3) percent of all adults in America take the time to establish and write down goals and objectives for their personal lives. However, that relatively small group of people accomplish five and ten times as much as those of equal or better education and ability who never took the time or effort to write down exactly what they wanted to achieve.

Consider establishing goals and objectives in the following areas: Career, Personal, Financial, Family, and Spiritual. Determine, with clarity, what you want to achieve in each one of these areas in 2011. Write your thoughts down on paper or prepare a word document on your computer. Establish a goal statement for each of the areas that answers the question why. For example... "why is it" that you should be concerned about planning for your future financial security. Then establish your concrete and clearly thought out objectives in that particular area. Objectives are "what" you want to accomplish.

You will then determine and write down the action steps necessary to reach each of your established objectives. Prioritize your action steps and develop a timeline for the accomplishment of each objective. I encourage you to share, when appropriate, your objectives with others. Your spouse, significant other, and friends can help ensure that you are accountable for implementing and executing your personal plan.

Become one of the three percent! Live up to your fullest potential! If you would like a template to follow in developing your plan, just e-mail us and we'll send a simple form with examples.

Also, the Institute for Organization Management is featuring The Ewart Group on its' website this month. If you get a moment, please visit the site at Faculty Who's Who

I always enjoy the Winter Institute held at The University of Arizona. All of us involved in the program were saddened and distressed by the senseless act of violence committed during our final day in Tucson. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families. Go hug your family!

Sincerely,

Chuck

Chuck Ewart wrote the book on putting together meaningful, enjoyable planning retreats. His manual, "Successful Planning Retreats" has been used by organizations throughout the United States. The manual is provided at no cost to every organization that utilizes Chuck as its' retreat facilitator. The manual is essential for staff and volunteers responsible for planning your retreat. The cost is $25 and includes shipping & handling. E-mail us and the manual will be sent right away. No up front money necessary... we will invoice you.