It’s been long enough now for you to see if those New Year’s resolutions have really stuck. I think two to three weeks is the usual shelf-life of the average resolution. I am sure that right now, in gyms across America, all those people who signed up at the start of the month are suddenly nowhere to be found. Have your resolutions fallen by the wayside too?
I made a resolution at the start of 2005 after I read an incredibly powerful article. Not only has it “stuck,” it had a huge impact on they way that I live my life. You can find it here: http://jimcollins.com/lib/articles.html#, the article you are looking for is called “Best New Year’s resolution? A ‘stop doing’ list.” In this article, Jim Collins (management guru) talks about his experience of self-discovery as he learns that he leads a “busy life” and not a disciplined one. In other words, Jim was told — and acknowledges himself — that he has a genetic disposition to working like a madman (sound like anyone you know?). Unfortunately, it also meant that he was working circles around himself…and not making a great deal of headway either. The bottom line: know what you need to do so you can stop doing everything else.
If I have learned anything in coaching athletes over the last five+ years, it’s that the ones who are focused…positively focused…who are the most successful. Hands down. They are committed, they have priorities, they know where multisport fits in their lives (first, second, third, last) and they live with no regrets. Because they are focused.
In the article, Collins identifies three main questions to ask oneself:
1) What are you deeply passionate about?
2) What are you are genetically encoded for — what activities do you feel just “made to do”?
3) What makes economic sense — what can you make a living at?
It is at the intersection of these three points that folks find the most success…and the most rewarding lives. These three points are meant to be used as guidance through the difficult times…so you can make sure that you are staying the course. As he concludes in another anecdote, Collins notes that a great life is like a great piece of art…it is great both for what it is and for what it is not.
As you truly enter 2007, I encourage you to do the same. Whether you are looking for athletic, professional or personal success, use this simple framework to prioritize your efforts and be amazed at the results. I for one am cursed with way too much energy, and I am taking huge steps to cut things out of my life. Except for coffee. 
What’s on your list???
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