A good day to ask (the right) questions

Happy New Year! Every Monday I throw out a challenge to the readers, something to push you a bit into an uncomfortable place (that place where growth occurs). This week: A good day to ask (the right) questions.

I suggest you print this page and handwrite your answers.

How are you going to look back on 2016 to measure success and measure failure?

Is this the same way you will measure it in 2017? Why? 

What is one clear work goal (quantifiable) that you want to achieve in 2017?

And … what has to be achieved by the end of the first quarter to know you are making progress on that goal?

What is one clear personal goal (quantifiable) that you want to achieve in 2017?

And … what has to be achieved by the end of the first quarter to know you are making progress on that goal?

What is one instance from 2016 where you did the wrong thing, wasted time, missed an opportunity, or dropped the ball?

What is one instance from 2016 where you did the right thing, maximized time, grabbed an opportunity, and ran with the ball? Congratulations, by the way!

And lastly: 2017 will be the year of _______________.

If you printed this out and filled in your answers, then fold it up and put in it in an unsealed envelope. Put that envelope somewhere within reach (your work folio, your desk, etc … but somewhere that you know where it will be be). Write “2017 operating instructions” on it.

Now you’re good to go. Welcome to 2017.