Making Impact

For most of us a new year means a new set of goals. Golfers want to lower scores, improve course management, swing more consistently, lose fewer balls, have greater opportunities to gloat, etc., etc.

There is a sobering reality about goal setting however. In the end, few of us will regret not being a better golfer but most of us will regret not being a better person. Steven Covey (Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People) reminds us that we define success more by defining the kind of people we will be remembered as rather than what we have accomplished.

This means that our relationships form the foundation of all that we hope to accomplish. We don't have to look too hard to see a phenomenal talent sidelined by failing to define and protect the relationships that are more important than accomplishments.  

Defining the kind of people that we want to be is the first step. Just as it is essential to address the ball in the same plane that we want to make impact with the golf ball, it is essential to define who we want to be in order to have the right impact on our important relationships.

In other words, I need to ask myself what will likely happen if I fail to be the kind of person that I want to be? If that happens, will I really be successful even if I reach my 'to do' goals?

So, at the start of this year, may we each have the right address and make a great impact!

Have a great game!