by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.
Wow! 2015 has gone by so quickly that it’s hard to believe that we’ve made our way to the half way point in the year. But, here we are.
In January, we were instant visionaries—full of hope and excitement about what the year would bring and how we would execute it all. Fast forward six months—our goal was to look back with incredible satisfaction and forward with unbridled anticipation, right? If this is not true for you, know that there is still time to make your mark in 2015. You can end the year stronger than you started it and create an incredible springboard for 2016.
Here are three core elements for creating a strong close out strategy for 2015:
1. Ask yourself a few critical questions. We all start out with an idea (good, bad or otherwise) about how what want the year to go and how we plan on getting the results we seek to achieve. But, even the best of ideas may not yield results. Perhaps they need to be tweaked—or maybe there were never really good ideas to begin with. Whatever the case, take a look at your original idea and the plans that accompanied it, and then ask yourself these two questions:
—->Does this idea still make sense in the grand scheme of things? And, if so, how do I actualize it? Our paths and priorities can change based numerous factors. It just makes sense to check the temperature to make sure we are still on fire for the idea and not lukewarm or worse. If you are still wedded to your original idea, then you need to re-determine how you will achieve it. Maybe your original plan left some key details out or charted the path too quickly. Whatever the gap, figure it out and move forward with a sense of urgency.
Obviously, if you no longer embrace the idea—just chuck it and create a new narrative.
—->What are the obstacles to achievement? Yes—obstacles always show up when we are determined to get results. It feels like the universe’s way of determining how bad we want something. However, anticipating the kinds of challenges we might experience or have experienced in this area before, make us smarter and more prepared to handle these upsets when they rear their ugly heads. They come in various categories from time, to money to resources. Whatever they are, brainstorm them out along with the way you will handle them when they arise.
2. Keep it simple and doable, Sherlock. We want results and we want lots of them—right now. However, when it comes to executing strategies within a limited time window, it’s very difficult to achieve goals that are colossal in length or breadth. Choose wisely. Only the critical ones should make the cut and those shouldn’t be chockfull of bureaucratic underpinnings. Keep your list small and the way forward simple. Save the mammoth goals for 2016—you’ll need the extra time they require.
3. Implement immediately. There’s nothing worse than creating a winning strategy and then it just sits on the shelf somewhere. If you’re serious about closing out the year with resonance to support your overall goals, you’ve got to do one simple thing: Take decisive action immediately. From the moment you determine exactly what you want to achieve, you should also be creating a plan of action—which begins with you taking the first critical step and creates momentum and excitement.
Use these three steps to create a winning close out strategy for 2015 and you’ll be well on your way to achieving the results you intended for this year and beyond.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net*
To your success!
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Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq. – Expert Facilitator and Professional Development Consultant –Washington, DC
Founder and CEO, WordSmithRapport
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WordSmithRapport™, Karima brings more than two decades of comprehensive, blue chip experience in law, business, and academia to the field of professional development. A leading authority in cutting-edge adult education and professional development, Karima is distinguished by her commitment to excellence and extraordinary talent for elevating executive brands. As an expert facilitator, executive communications consultant, and strategic leadership advisor, she trains, coaches, and consults individuals and organizations on the dynamics of complex communication and high performance leadership competence.
Karima is a Distinguished Toastmaster, United States Senate and a Corporate Speaker, certified by the International Association of corporate speakers.
Karima is the author of Get out of Your Way & Stop Sabotaging Your Success and the highly anticipated Boardroom Talking Points: A Guide to Polished Communication for Executives. A regular contributor to numerous high-profile media outlets, she has clarified the discussion on professional development as a leadership imperative. Karima is also featured on She Source, an online braintrust of female experts on diverse topics designed to serve journalists, producers, and booking agents who seek female guests and sources.
A Cornell Fellow and graduate of the University of California, Davis, and Roger Williams University School of Law, Karima enjoys helping young adults to increase self-confidence through communication and leadership excellence when not coaching executives.
Follow Karima on Twitter: @wsrapport or visit her Website, WordSmithRapport.com.
– Expert Facilitator and Professional Development Consultant –Washington, DC
Founder and CEO, WordSmithRapport
As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WordSmithRapport™, Karima brings more than two decades of comprehensive, blue chip experience in law, business, and academia to the field of professional development. A leading authority in cutting-edge adult education and professional development, Karima is distinguished by her commitment to excellence and extraordinary talent for elevating executive brands. As an expert facilitator, executive communications consultant, and strategic leadership advisor, she trains, coaches, and consults individuals and organizations on the dynamics of complex communication and high performance leadership competence.
Karima is a Distinguished Toastmaster, United States Senate and a Corporate Speaker, certified by the International Association of corporate speakers.
Karima is the author of Get out of Your Way & Stop Sabotaging Your Success and the highly anticipated Boardroom Talking Points: A Guide to Polished Communication for Executives. A regular contributor to numerous high-profile media outlets, she has clarified the discussion on professional development as a leadership imperative. Karima is also featured on She Source, an online braintrust of female experts on diverse topics designed to serve journalists, producers, and booking agents who seek female guests and sources.
A Cornell Fellow and graduate of the University of California, Davis, and Roger Williams University School of Law, Karima enjoys helping young adults to increase self-confidence through communication and leadership excellence when not coaching executives.
Follow Karima on Twitter: @wsrapport or visit her Website, WordSmithRapport.com.
