Jan 1, 2013 by Marty Coyne
Closed For Inventory
45 years ago when I was in high school, I worked in a health and beauty aids store in NYC. This time every year, we closed the store to take inventory. We would slowly and systematically work our way though all the shelves counting the quantity of each item and the price. This determined how much profit we made for the year.
Today, our business inventories are calculated electronically using bar codes. However, there is considerable benefit in taking inventory of your personal growth and performance this past year.
The New Year is the perfect time for this self-reflection. Use these three questions as catalysts to organize your thoughts and set your priorities for 2013.
- What are my greatest accomplishments this past year?
- What did I learn this year that makes me a better leader and person?
- What would I have done differently if given the opportunity?
Finally, take some time to reflect on this sage advice from Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol.
“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
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