Don’t start until you have finished

It is a new year. Every new day, new week, new month, or new year presents a new opportunity. Yesterday has no more power unless we empower it by refusing to move forward. We need to leave where we were and move into the new opportunities presented by the new year. However, we must set goals for the year if we are serious about harnessing the power that “today” gives to us.

I have not seen anyone achieve anything significant in their lives without setting out to achieve them. Remarkable success is not a product of an accident. It is a product of the deliberate desire, planning and effort of people who dared to achieve great things.

You will notice that I mentioned three things above – desire, planning and effort. Desire to achieve something definite, clear and time bound. We call it a goal. What are your goals for the year? Write them down. Then create an action plan for achieving the goals. No one builds an edifice without planning how to build it. Decide what you will do daily, weekly, and monthly toward your goals. Then put in the effort – get into action. Do what you must do.
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Here is the key. You must finish before starting. Think through and plan for your day, week and month before beginning them. Do not start the day until you have finished it. Do not start the week until you have finished it. Do not start the year until you have finished it. Spend a significant time planning, put in the work, and see your dreams come true throughout the year.

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Actions for the week

1. Think deeply about what you would like to achieve this year. Use your imagination. Write them down and specify the dates you want them achieved.
2. Develop an action plan for what you have written above. What would you do first, and when. What would you do next, and when. Write out a plan for achieving your goals.
3. Commit to your action plan daily. Put in the effort. Do the work.

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A quote to remember
"If I have eight hours to cut down a tree, I will spend the first six hours sharpening the axe.
– Abraham Lincoln

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books