Has the New Year’s resolution “balloon of promise and change” begun deflating? Have you already returned to business (or maybe more appropriately busy-ness) as usual?
Or, are you really going to live into your dream—whatever that dream may be?
On the heels of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I decided to watch the video clip of his famous “I have a dream” speech. One word—“WOW.” Do yourself a considerable favor, watch that video. Absorb its message!
Yes, I concede. It’s better than any video I would have put together for you on this topic, so I’ve included it here.
Yes, I know it’s over 17 minutes long however, c’mon, isn’t your future worth a 17-minute investment. Give it go and then come back and keep reading.
Let's Hold You Accountable
You’re back. Did you watch the video? Come on, be honest. Did you watch it? Did you give it your full attention?
Remember, how you do anything is how you do everything. Therefore, your results in business are likely a reflection of the effort you just put forth.
OUCH! I know that may sting a bit.
I share because I care.
Please get that my directness comes from a space of good, not evil. So if you didn’t watch the video yet, don’t beat yourself up here. Instead, forgive yourself and do the right thing for YOU… only you know what that is.
Let's Continue The Rant
Now is the time to…
- Get your mindset right. Start by getting crystal clear on what you want and why you want it. AND… Truly believe you can, and deserve, to have whatever it is.
- Decide on a strategy to make it so.
- Flesh out a plan to carry out that strategy.
- Execute with Excellence. Be willing to do whatever it takes.
- Get whatever help you need to make your dream a reality. Humans are social beings. There is no virtue in going it alone—the long, painful way.
AND, as a business owner, you must always seek to raise your game!

Do Not Be Satisfied With…
- Business as usual and the status quo!
- Teammates or clients who simply are not a good fit for us!
- Most importantly, anything less than stellar results from all areas of our business!
Let’s Shift Gears Here
Instead of just ranting, let’s do as Martin Luther King, Jr. did on that day of his infamous speech and dream BIG.
- I have a dream… [fill in your dream here]
- I have a dream… [fill in your dream here]
- I have a dream… [fill in your dream here]
The key here is to get your juices flowing!
Get excited!
Get flat-out pissed off if you need to!
Emotions create motion!
Let's Wrap This Up
So what’s it going to be? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result from your business? As either Einstein, Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, or whoever first stated that great quote once said.
Remember that what you’ve done up to this point has gotten you to where you are right now. Whatever that was, it is what it was. It’s in the past. You can’t change that. However, you can shape your future by your actions today!
"Be the change you want to see in the world."
Mahatma Gandhi, Indian philosopher (1869-1948) Tweet
I’ll end my rant with my adaptation of a famous quote by the late, great Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in your business! The future of your business begins with YOU!”
Editor’s Note
This post was initially published on January 22, 2015, and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
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We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein