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How Are You Going To End 2011?

Guest post by: Manny Nowak

Article Overview: The final quarter is upon us – so how are we doing? Measurement equals knowledge. Without measurement we don't know where we are. So let's get out the real measuring tool. Let's put on our glasses. Let's stop with any stories. Let honestly and straight forward ask the question. How did we do through the first 3 quarters – budget verses actual? Goals against achievements? Plan against reality.

How Are You Going To End 2011?

There are 90 days to go in 2011.

The question we have to ask ourselves as we come to the start of the 4^th quarter is, “How are we going to end the year.”.

We certainly know how we wanted to end it back on 1/1/2011.

Our dreams, plans and desires.

We also know all we have done.

Good, bad or not at all.

Now it is time to face the question, how are we doing?

The final quarter is upon us – so how are we doing?

Measurement equals knowledge.

Without measurement we don't know where we are.

So let's get out the real measuring tool.

Let's put on our glasses.

Let's stop with any stories.

Let honestly and straight forward ask the question.

How did we do through the first 3 quarters – budget verses actual?

Goals against achievements?

Plan against reality.

This is not an exercise.

This is not a game.

What this is, simply, is a way to turn around if we are not doing well.

But more, if we are doing well, how to accelerate the process.

What can we do in the 4^th quarter?

What can't we do?

We cannot fix the whole year in 3 months.

Many people try.

But you might do more damage than good.

Hind sight is always 20/20.

To understand what has happened.

We have to look at the measurements?

We have to accept accountability?

Are we doing that?

Or don't we really know because we don't really want to face it.

Let's try a few simple things and see what happens.

Remember, all this applies to business, to you personal life, to whatever you are involved with.

1. Look at your goals and measurement and determine where you are right now, 9/30/11.

You set the goals on 1/1/2011.

You set the measurements.

Now look at the results.

2. Face the facts.

Good or bad.

Don't sugar coat it.

We can't fix it if we keep thinking nothing is broken.

Accept where we are right now.

If it is good, then that is great.

If it is OK, then that is life.

If it sucks, then we still have to face it.

3. Next we have to determine what we can do in the 4^th quarter.

Not a pipe dream.

We cannot fix the world in 90 days.

But we can make a difference in the results for the year.

We can make a big difference.

We also have to determine and face what we cannot do in the 4^th quarter.

Honesty is so important if you want this to work.

We all know the easiest person the fool is ourselves.

4. Build a 4^th quarter plan and make sure you have measurements.

This is what you are going to accomplish in the 4^th quarter.

5. Get moving

Don't think about it.

Don't talk about it.

Don't dream about it.

Do it.

Forget the past, forget what you didn't do.

Go out and make the 4^th quarter happen.

We cannot change the first 3 quarters.

It is not 2012 yet – we will get there.

We still have 90 days.

Let us use them the best we can plus a little more.

We must be determined to make it happen – committed to it.

We must be honest about what we can do.

And finally, we must get some help were we need it.

Bottom line is that is is amazing what can happen in 2012

if we turn the last quarter of 2011.

Start today.

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Article Tags: 4th quarter, coach manny nowak, coaching, life coaching, planning, success coaching



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