We all have one week of work before 2011 becomes a collection of files to be stored away.  Sure, we'll go back and get some things for this years taxes.  Perhaps even take a look at some trends that occurred during the year.  But what are the things that will make 2012 a better year for you?  Chances are, there will be talk of improvement, higher numbers, better grosses, and maybe even a reduction in expenses.  But, it will all fade before the Christmas decorations are taken down.

In the fourth grade we had to study vocabulary.  First we learned the word.  Then we studied the definition.  For homework we had to write the definition and correctly spell the words.  On Friday we had a vocabulary quiz where we did it all over again.  Doing that made sure we knew the word and understood its meaning.  But, in life, what does it matter?

Take a look at how many articles just on this site alone posted the definition of insanity.  I probably did at least once to fill a paragraph.  So, I can safely say that it's likely that the over 6,000 members of this site have a clear understanding of the definition. Yet too many will continue on the same road wondering why they can't arrive at a different destination.  There was never a plan to change anything.  Funny though, there is never a better time to make drastic changes than at the beginning of the year.

Think about it.  Make a huge mistake in June and you can lose the whole year.  Do the same in January and you have 11 months to make it right.  January is the best month for going forward with new ideas, new policies, new training, and yes, especially new people.  Starting a hiring campaign right at the beginning of the year will allow you to work with your new people, take your time, and get maximum production from them.

My company goal this year is to increase business in all sectors.  Great plan right?  The problem is, if I do everything I did last year, with the same people, I can't really see how I would get the massive results I want.  So, we are training new trainers in January.  One class for the whole year.  Then we will work with each of them to insure they reach their individual goals.  By the end of the year, we should have additional "experienced" trainers and I can see the results we gained with them and plan for 2013.

If more people sat down now, figured out what major change they needed to make for a more successful New Year, and then TOOK ACTION IMMEDIATELY, the results would happen sooner.  More importantly, if any adjustments were needed, you had time to make them before the year had slipped away. 

I know, it sounds different.  But sometimes that's what makes the difference.  If you want different results, you must be willing to commit and do different things.  As the saying goes, "If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll continue to have what you've always had."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

John Fuhrman is the Senior National Trainer for Carolina Automotive Resource Services, a unit of The Dealer Resource Group.