They say 13 isn’t a lucky number. I think luck is in the eye of the planner. The person with clear intentions, drive and focus. So, as we kick off 2017, put these 13 steps to help forward you into the future you desire.

1. Give up short term thinking.

Sure, you have a list of things to get done now but what do you want your list to look like in the future. Plan now, not just at the moment.

 2. Give up boxing yourself in & thinking small.

 If you think small, small is what you will always get. It is true if you and dream it, see it, draw it, plan for it, do it, IT will happen. Think big or go home.

3. Start focusing on root causes instead of firefighting.

If you don’t know why it is happening, then you will keep repeating the same cycle of reaction. Get to they why and fix the cause to get the results you seek.

4. Stop talking about wanting to be strategic, yet you ask what needs to be done.

If you want to be strategic you have must think, act, behave strategically. Think of the what ifs instead of the what is on the list.

5. Stop complaining about disengagement and drive engagement.

Are you talking about the disengagement or lack of engagement within your organization or doing something about it and making sure you are actually engaged and leading by example, on a daily basis?

 6. Stop saying one day & make it today.

Are you full of excuses? Do you let the world wind of the day control you? Plan your day and work your plan.

7. Stop getting distracted.

Do you run from item to item, list to list, project to project?  Stop trying to multitask and be in the moment, fully present.

8. Stop being in fear.

 If you do nothing, nothing new will happen. Fear is a nasty four letter word. Don’t let it stop you, let is motivate you and inspire you. List your fear, break it down and figure out how to get through the door and moving forward.

9. Be clear with your intentions.

Clearly defining your intentions up front allows you to get into focus and properly layout the plans and steps to accomplish your goals. When you get off track, remind yourself of you why and your intentions to snap you back into place.

10. Get to yes by asking & listening.

Getting to yes, we all want that and strive for that but get lost in asking the right questions first and then stopping to hear the real answers versus our assumptions. We all know what assume means.

11.Measure & expect ROI on everything.

Time is money and money is time. Every effort should have the desired outcome. Your desired outcome should be visualized first. Your result should yield the return you want. To know your final return you have to track it and measure it. If not, why are you doing it, to begin with?

12. Enjoy life to its fullest.

Life really is short. Count your smiles. Count your hugs. Open your eyes and see the beauty around you. Learn, Live, Share!

13. Expect to WIN!

If you go into live knowing you will win and strive for the win each time, you are more likely going to win.  Winning, by the way, is totally defined by you, not others.