Prune For Results. The Verb, Not the Fruit.

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”

Marcus Aurelius (121-180), Roman emperor and philosopher

To prune a tree is to remove the branches or shoots that do not serve its growth and vigor. Let’s take this idea one step further.

A diseased branch or low performing shoot not only does not serve the tree. It drains the energy that can be used elsewhere…the energy that can produce more fruit, more flowers, stronger branches.

When did you last evaluate your daily activities to determine what is most important to your success (e.g., getting new clients, serving current clients, driving profitable revenue, leading successful teams)?

Removing one diversion each week eliminates more than 50 distractions throughout the year. Imagine what you might accomplish when you apply that time and energy elsewhere.

Action: Prune diversions. Once weekly.

Here’s to looking 2010 right in the face. Off to have some champagne and to celebrate what is to come. Wishing everyone a fantastic launch into 2010.

Adapted from 212° the extra degree®