Not My Best: 2011 Was a Challenging Year
I’m an optimist. I always look for the good in everything. But I’m also a realist. I’m a big believer in the Stockdale Paradox: “Maintaining a firm belief that we will prevail all the while brutally confronting what challenges we face.”
I think it’s important to acknowledge what’s not working as well as focusing on what is. Not to dwell on what’s not working—but to recognize it, learn from it and move on.
In 2011, I lost my way on several fronts. It was a challenging year. And I don’t mean to trivialize any challenges you might have had last year by recounting my own. I would never presume to speak for you—only myself.
Last summer I reached my highest weight ever. I rented a tux to a formal event to which I could have easily worn my own. But mine didn’t fit. I was disgusted.
Several of our investments were not only disappointing but downright dismal.
In October, my mother was diagnosed with an inoperable and untreatable form of cancer. She lasted 10 weeks and passed away on Christmas Day. I miss her every day.
And in the process of writing my book (the first one in over 5 years) I realized I wasn’t walking my talk—at least not 100 percent. What I was writing about were things I believe in, know to be true and have done. But I saw several places where my priorities were off and my focus and concentration were lacking.
In 2011, we blew several promotions, had bad timing on a couple of others and because of writing my book, I backed off on writing and publishing my articles. Not good.
I know many people had it much worse. Maybe you did. We have so very much for which to be grateful—and we are. In comparison to others and to some years I’ve had in the distant past, it was a good year—just not a stellar year.
So why am I sharing this?
I’m doing it because it’s important for you to realize that not everything I try actually works. I struggle sometimes, too. We all get off track. We all lose focus. Nobody wins 100% of the time.
I’m happy to report I am 13 pounds lighter than last summer; and I’m refocused and recommitted to the things that work. As I was writing my new book, The Achievement Code, about the 3 Cs: Clarity, Concentration and Consistency, I realized on a very personal level just how important all three of them are—no matter how successful one may be. If you’re committed to important things, you have to have all three in place and working for you.
I’m optimistic and expecting great things for 2012. And I hope you have similar expectations. Rest assured that we’re ready and willing to help you achieve your most important goals in this New Year. If you want more purpose, passion and prosperity in your life, you are in the right place with SuccessNet.
You don’t need to go it alone. Professional athletes don’t. Leaders don’t. CEOs don’t. Why should you?
We have a variety of ways to help you achieve your full and unique potential. Our Six Levels of Support can give you a quick overview as to what level you may want to play. It’s entirely up to you. Click here to see the Six Levels of Support.
And it’s not too late to become part of The Achievement Code. We started last week, but you can easily catch up. Full details can be found on this page . . .
Or you can become a Diamond Club Member and get all that Diamond Club offers with your own MasterMind Team and The Achievement Code training all included.
Find out more here . . .

