Many of us have to-do lists.

But what we really need is a “don’t-do” list.

As you transition into the new year and strive to reach your professional goals, it’s critical that you stop some of the tendencies that are slowing you down or getting in your way. Through our work in executive coaching programs, we uncovered some of these bad habits, every one of which has a negative impact on your life.

So add these to your brand, spanking-new don’t-do list.

There are basically two different types of team-building programs – those designed to reward & those designed to fix organizational problems.

In Matthew Kelly's book The Rhythm of Life, he says...
 
"Everything is a Choice. This is life's greatest truth and its hardest lesson. It is a great truth because it reminds us of our power. Not power over others, but the often untapped power to be ourselves and to live the life we have imagined."
 
Kelly goes on to say that it's a hard lesson because it causes us to realize that we have chosen the life we are living right now.
 

Here's my challenge to all leaders in 2013:

WHO will you be?

It's a great time of the year for all of us to reflect on where we've been and where we want to go. The trap that most leaders fall into is that they often reflect on the WHAT and the HOW without considering WHO they are as leaders.  For example, they ask -   WHAT do I want to accomplish this year? WHAT are my goals? And, HOW will I achieve those goals?

Let’s face it; we all need help along the way.

Congratulations on establishing your goals! That is a huge step toward personal growth and success in the coming year and beyond.

Make 2012 your best year yet!

I designed The Ultimate Goal Setting Guide after years of facilitating strategic planning and goal setting workshops for organizations and individuals. I wanted to make my proven process accessible to everyone, because I believe more than ever that we all need a clear vision and intention for how we live our lives.

If you have been following my last few posts, I have been setting you up for this goal setting article.

With guiding principles to help steer you in the right direction and a bold and audacious attitude, you are ready to establish the goals that will help you generate the life you desire and deserve.

So, what's your plan for 2012? Henry Ford said it best: Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are right! What you decide to focus on has a huge impact on the goals that you set for yourself and your ability to achieve those goals. To truly create and align goals with your wildest dreams and aspirations, you have to embrace a bold and audacious attitude.

Everything in life is a choice.

How do you make your choices? What are they based on?

When we are clear about what is most important to us, we can make choices that are aligned with what we want in our lives. Guiding principles help keep us focused throughout the year and give us a foundation to determine the choices we make every day. It is through those daily choices that we build our lives.

Here's a quick visualization exercise you can try to help you create your guiding principles. Journal about the following: