As we approach the end of 2017 it’s an opportunity to pause and reflect.

I’m currently in the process of reviewing my past year and looking ahead to 2018. I’ve poured over my personal notes and have distilled these thousands of words down to what’s most important. I’ve created a list of 11 statements. Think of them as best practices, daily reminders, or even personal mantras.

The list I’m about to share with you is personal. It comes directly from my experiences in 2017 — what has gone well and what hasn’t.

While personal, the list is simple and accessible. I realized that the ideas here may be able to empower others to create better results. Not everything may resonate, but there are a few things that anyone can connect with.

Many statements come from what has inspired me this past year: books I’ve read, podcasts I’ve listened to, or classes I’ve taken. Others come straight from my own thinking captured in my journal. One in particular comes from 5X Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. I’ve heard him say it during games, especially in the second half of the dramatic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons this February. Bonus points if you recognize it!

The idea here is to help increase my focus on better results, allowing me make each day count. My suggestion for you is to read through the list. If something I captured resonates with you, take it, write it down, and create your own list.

Most importantly you need to find what will drive you, not rely on what drives me. If nothing else perhaps this list will inspire you to take a few moments to do some reflection of your own. To help I’ve first included 3 questions to help spark your thinking followed by my finished product. Enjoy!

Questions:

• What do I tend to say to myself that produces the results I want? What do I tend to say that distracts me?
• Where am I wasting my time? How can I get more out of my time?
• What are the things I stumble over mentally and what do I say or do to get things back on track?

My List – Make Today Count:

• Plan desired outcomes, not ‘things to do’
• Focus on the 20% that matters most
• Make the complex simple
• Enjoy the commute & use the time wisely
• Have fun, but don’t be hungover
• No fear, cut it loose
• Visualize and ask for what you do want, not what you don’t want
• See people as people, not as objects
• Trade your expectations for appreciation
• Remember everything is happening for you, not to you
• Embrace problems & challenges so you can grow

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I welcome your own ideas, observations, or questions. Leave me a comment!