The Four Rs of the New Year: Refresh, Restart, Renew and Reboot

Mary L. Duwe, CPF, Master Coach

My clients and I recently celebrated the end of another fruitful year as we reviewed accomplishments that took place in 2007. Some of the goals accomplished were as old and routine as the coats we take out of the closet every winter and put away every spring:  intentions unfolded with a sense of predictability.

However, there were many accomplishments that unfolded unexpectedly. These accomplishments were accompanied by the pure delight that lies within the “unpredictability factor” of our business.  Those results, although unpredictable, unfolded as effortlessly as the seasons changed from winter to spring.  Advisors I worked with received these surprises with anticipation, acceptance, and sincere appreciation. Each one owned and acknowledged the unique contribution of preparedness and passion that reaped those results.

Refresh, Restart, Renew 

Now that it’s 2008 it is time to clarify intentions and begin the goal setting process once again. Begin by refreshing and restarting some of your old routines. Honor and evaluate what has already been created. It is important to pay attention to what already works: the existing contributors, routines and relationships previously set in motion. It is increasingly valuable to acknowledge those people, processes, plans, and projects that continue to contribute year after year as your desire for success increases. Stop long enough to appreciate where you are and how far you have come before deciding where you are going next.

Reboot

Once you’ve refreshed, restarted, and renewed, the next step is rebooting.  Reboot by asking yourself the following questions:

• What are my new intentions for 2008?
• How will my business and clients be best served?
• What are my points for improvement and expansion in the next twelve months?
• What fresh perspective will help improve performance, production and profitability for my business and clients? 
• What needs to change?
• Who am I willing to become in the face of new challenges?
• What new choices am I willing to make?
• What am I willing to change?
• What are the best strategies to accomplish these changes?
• What challenges do I need to overcome?
• How will my progress be monitored and measured?
• When is the next checkpoint?

Take time to ponder the questions; put your answers in writing. Expect a moment of realization to occur as you realize what is possible. You should experience a sense of newness supported by an existing sense of renewal. 

Now is a perfect time to contemplate the meaning for your life and your business. Let the New Year begin by refreshing, restarting and renewing what is working. Then reboot with excitement and anticipation for what you’ve set in motion.

Just as the sun renews the earth, let the light of your refreshed passion bring a new and renewed meaning, purpose, and fulfillment to the lives of those you touch.

Mary L. Duwe, a veteran advisor, Certified Financial Planner®, and Master Coach, brings a depth of experience and desire to help advisors improve their lives and practices. She has practiced as a successful financial planner since 1984 and is licensed in securities, life insurance, and real estate. Mary has a BS in Psychology and received her coach training from CoachU. She continued her training with the Graduate School of Coaching, Legacy Learning (Franklin Covey Coaching) and has completed the Emotional Competence Inventory Accreditation (EIC). As an experienced Emotional Intelligence Development Coach, Mary works with advisors to reorient their lives and their businesses for greater success, meaning, and fulfillment. Mary is the master coach for Mitch Anthony’s Institute of Financial Life Planning. She prepares financial advisors to deepen their client relationships and coaches the process of Financial Life Planning. According to Mary, “The right conversation will make all the difference.” Contact Mary at mary@maryduwe.com or mary@mitchanthony.com. Phone: 715-693-8002.

© 2007 Mary Duwe