A new year always sharpens our thought process, doesn’t it? In early January, we are all focussed and committed, right? Well, at least temporarily!  Which is why when I saw the reference to 2020 and eye health I laughed. Admit it — you get the joke and giggled too.

I don’t make resolutions December 31st. Instead, I craft my new goals and resolutions in the fall — so that come January 1st, at least I have a running start at success. Hey, I admit my resolve factor in January is as high (no make that as low) as everyone else’s.

A few weeks ago, a friend shared something profound. I knew immediately everything in it was easy and almost effortless. I had to share with you. Whenever you start, I guarantee the results help you see things (regardless of your real eyesight number), so much clearer.

There are just five things on the list. While I can’t claim this as my own original thought; rest assured, it is my spin on his categories. Here are the five things —

1. Don’t ask Permission

You have ideas, others don’t. You see opportunities; so many don’t.

Instead of asking ‘May I’ or ‘Would You’ … go ahead and make it happen! Don’t over-analyze and get all caught up in your head. Take a chance, follow it and see what happens.

The absolute WORST case scenario is you beg forgiveness — after the fact!

2. Be Odd

We need odd because there is too much sameness these days – in the way we look, think, argue, produce and lead. It is all so painfully dull. Dull loses attention. Lack of attention means you never get noticed. Never being noticed means you remain sidelined.

You ARE different – so let us see your quirks. First, they prove you are a real, messy and very relatable human being. Second, they make you endearing and memorable to your particular tribe of people.

Being memorable is the name of the game. Now more than ever.

3. Stay Home

Over the past twenty years, nearly all of us have mastered playing on the web. It is great fun to network in social media, awesome to explore Mr and Dr Google, and delightful to dump our opinions on strangers halfway around the world. Let’s not even cover our amazing ability to buy dirt cheap products made someplace else and have them delivered at lightning speed to our doors.

You know I believe Business IS Personal. So too is Life. And unfortunately, too many of us have sacrificed the (Real) life part for the (Online) life part.

Talking with, laughing, sharing a meal with and even helping Real people like our families, our friends, our neighbours, and others in our communities is the most wonderful thing about being a human being. There are real people who live and work and play right within our own, say, ten-mile radius. And they too need acknowledgement, perhaps a job, maybe more business or simply just your ear and a hug.

Be the kind of person you admire for the (Real) people in your (Real) Life in your (Real) town.

4. Be Sincere

Snark is the one thing we have in spades. Sometimes called sarcasm, sometimes irony, occasionally just plain bullying. Snark is a reflex action mainly because we believe we are not enough or we don’t measure up.

Everyone else appears to be better, sounds wittier and smarter, or is on a massive path to success. Which can make us sad, jealous, depressed and even suicidal. We allow our reptile brain to take over with snark when instead, we just need to simply STOP, ignore or move along!

The real truth is when you are sincerely yourself, you stand out and stand apart. You make others take notice.

Don’t cover up the good impulses in yourself. Spread them around. Lavishly.

5. Stop Competing

For far too many of us, we were raised, taught, and then pushed into believing the ultimate goal is competition. That there is a race to nab the customers, the market share, the power and the cash. Today, most of us can see we have reached the point where these things only help a few and hinder the many.

You exist, I exist, we all exist to make a generous and lasting impact in and on our worlds. The customers, market share, power and cash are simply the bi-products of our efforts.

Stop competing and start obsessing about the impact you want to make or the legacy you want to leave. The other stuff will fall into place, as it should.

Two months from now, you and I will forget these five simple things. We will lose this clarity and see only the urgent matters of the day. So, how about you print this blog out now and keep it in a file in your drawer?

I started a file of ‘stuff to remember’ for 2020 in order to keep me better focussed and committed. The first things in that file are my own big lofty goals with dates for achievement. These five simple actions are next.

If you’re like me, you will likely get to a point sooner rather than later when you need a shot of adrenaline to keep you focussed and committed. Reach out and connect with me. My superpower is keeping leaders like you focussed and committed.

And before I forget, may 2020 bring you all the abundance, health and success you desire!