Three words, How powerful can they be? I think actually very powerful. I read this post from Chris Brogan and I instantly decided to adopt it in my business planning for 2011. In the past I had used a “theme” for the year, and it was effective.
So why the change from a “theme” to “three words”? Both of these concepts are designed to be motivators. The idea is that when I am playing small and in the process of, or actively sabotaging myself, and/or my plans, then I need something that will help to kick start me out of the trouble zone. The three word concept is designed to be a short and quick reminder of “Why” I am doing what I am doing this year, to connect me with my destination.
As Chris said the three words are not “goals”, rather they are connectors to my goals.
My Three Words for 2011 are:
Value.
Most specifically “blow-away” value that my friend Greg Martel helped me realize. For the referral sources and customers of my mortgage business I am bringing new ideas and tools designed to help my referral sources in their businesses and my customers lower their overall financial cost of home ownership.
For my coaching business clients it is about getting the tools, and support in the hands of more people and bringing it to them in a package that above all is insanely priced to ensure their is no question of the value.
Prototype.
I talked about one of the struggles I have had in my past was that I viewed myself as an innovator or inventor. This mindset led to me releasing new ideas with the thought they were complete and best of all they were awesome and people would be crazy not to crawl across broken glass to get them. As a prototyper I now strive to just get the ideas out. To be clear as Seth Godin would say “just ship” and get them in the hands of people who I trust to give me feedback to enhance the product or program. I have MANY new tools and products to launch on my journey this year. The ultimate success of these will depend on me prototyping not inventing.
Focus.
When I am alone and being honest with myself I know that in my past, I can tie my misses and stumbles to a lack of focus. Conversely when I look at my successes in my life I know they came when I was clear on WHY I was doing something (my motivation) and that I was focussed on it. To be clear I think this is common for everyone. In 2011 I am following an annual plan and actively using my new planning tool EVERY day. It is not only about being focussed on where I am going, but also the process of getting there, the HOW.
Your Assignment
Read Chris’s Post here especially the end of the post as he lists many peoples examples from the comments on his blog. This will give you some ideas of words you may consider that capture the essence of the creative work you have in you to create this year. Make a list of all the words that you get a “buzz” a “quiver” or some other emotional response when you read them and think about them as to if they relate to your plan for the year.
Next step is to short list. Go through your list and subtract words that have less of an impact then others. Once you have your three words picked, tell everyone, and put these words everywhere.
Please come back here and share your words in the comments section. I think you matter to me, and therefore I would love to know.
Comments
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By Watson Mj, January 12, 2011 @ 3:22 am
Connect. Produce. Stretch – M Watson
By Greg Williamson, January 12, 2011 @ 3:28 am
I love those Words for you. I especially like “stretch”. You will fit in on my journey as we are all playing Big
This message has been Sent from my iPhone, and therefore may seem more impersonal.
By Nawar Naji, January 14, 2011 @ 5:46 pm
Lead. Contribute. Grow.
By Greg Williamson, January 14, 2011 @ 6:14 pm
Nawar, Congratulations on stepping up and deciding to play BIG. I think the Toronto market will be interesting this year. The wisdom you will gain from this special group I think will be valuable for you and empower you to “lead” and “grow”. I look forward to your “contributions” to our group as well.
By Jessi Johnson, April 22, 2011 @ 8:51 am
Persistent. Motivated. Dreamer.
By Janet R, May 5, 2011 @ 6:42 am
Passionate Loyal Giving
By Greg, May 5, 2011 @ 8:53 am
Janet, Great job. I think all three of those words will serve you well with the new ideas we are serving up in the Academy.
By Yiannis Andreou, August 27, 2011 @ 1:58 pm
Health Abundance Compassion