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Thursday, February 10, 2011

Close Today to Begin Your Future by Janet Callaway | The Natural Networker

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When an unpleasant situation occurs or a relationship ends, people talk about needing closure.

When a project ends, there is a wrap up, a report or somethings that defines The End.

Yet how often do we take the time to end our day and prepare for the next?

Since we know that it takes it takes 30 days for a new habit to form, do this and see what happens in your life.

Whether you are in social media marketing, network marketing, traditional business, work outside of your home or have a home office, at the end of your work day, take a few minutes to reflect on your plans for the day and what you actually accomplished.

Be honest. Compare your meetings, completed work, interactions and ever your breaks with what you had scheduled on your calendar. Are they close or quite different?

Next, ask yourself three sets of questions:
  • How did the day go? What were my successes and challenges?
  • What did I learn today? About myself? About others? What do I plan to do — differently or the same — tomorrow?
  • Who did I interact with? Anyone I need to update? Thank? Ask a question? Share feedback?

You need to close each day or, quite honestly, you will feel like the day and your work never ends. Finish the day, plan for the next and move into your future.

Make sure you ask yourself and then take action on the last set of questions. No matter what business we are in or what we do in life, relationships are key. Communication is the key to developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Take those few extra minutes to send an e-mail, post or tweet a thank you, congratulations or acknowledgment.

Even if your day has not gone as planned, by the time you express appreciation for a few people, it is guaranteed that you feel better. When you feel better, your future starts moving in the direction of your goals.

For the next 30 days will you choose to Close your Day to Begin Your Future?

4 comments:

  1. Have had that habit for a long time Janet.

    Would like to add that the most important thing is to be honest with yourself and don't blame others for what went wrong.

    Take ownership and responsibility for what went wrong. Then find solutions to avoid that it happens again.

    S

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful post with excellent tools. Two days ago I had a day so wonderful that I didn't want closure. Yesterday, I wanted closure by lunchtime! Whether good or bad, the questions you pose help us grow.

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  3. Catarina, you are so right. If you are not honest with yourself, it becomes an exercise in futility.

    Being the successful international businesswoman that you are, Catarina, is not surprising that this habit has long been a part of your activities.

    Thx for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Keyuri, wishing you more days that you don't want to end.

    Thx for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete