No, that’s not a typo–I mean REVOLUTIONS!
Although you can and should make changes and improvements at any time, the new year is always a popular time to make changes, acquire new habits and lose bad habits.
Take advantage of the spirit of the season and make the changes you need to make to be successful.
Don’t be timid—take big steps. Start by revolutionizing your thinking.
When looking for a solution to a problem, don’t just use the first idea that comes along. Unlike when we were in school, there is often more than one correct answer. Don’t stop looking for that answer until you’ve come up with several. Then, consider the pluses and minuses of each before settling on a solution.
Take old ideas and turn them on their heads. Instead of doing something because you always have, or because everyone else does, or “that’s just the way it is,” look for ways to improve on those old ideas.
Ask “why” you are doing things the way you are. Are those ways as successful as you’d like? Might you be more successful trying something else?
Ask “why not.” Is there something that you’re not doing now? Why not try it? Is there a marketing strategy you’ve been thinking of trying? A new product or service your customers want? Why not try that strategy or introduce that new product now?
Get rid of the fear. Fear is good when it keeps us from doing things which are dangerous. But too often, fear keeps us from doing anything which is new or different. Don’t let fear make decisions for you. I always ask myself, “What is the worst thing that can happen if I try this and fail?” In business, the answer usually is that I will be out a little time and a little money, and I may feel a little embarrassed that I failed with something I thought was a good idea. All things considered, that’s not a big risk. Learn to assess the possible risks against the possible rewards.
Don’t just sit there, do something! The biggest change for many of us would be simply taking action. Don’t let “analysis paralysis” stop you from acting. Look for great new ideas, then put them in motion. You don’t have to have the perfect idea at the perfect time executed in the perfect way for it to work. A good idea at the right time can be just what you need to make a big difference. If you’re not ready to jump in with both feet, test your idea by implementing it on a small scale. Use what you learn to improve it, then try again.
Change your way of thinking, be open to new ideas, and shake off the fear. Then, go out there and make things happen!
