How Extraordinary People Become That Way
“I am in the process of reading a book recommended by a friend: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard. It is a meaningful look at what high performers do to achieve consistent results.“
By the time you are reading this in late January, New Year’s celebrations have come and gone and more than likely most of our new year’s resolutions faded away just as quickly. Here are some interesting facts: 38.5% of the U.S. population sets resolutions, with 59% of young adults (ages 18 to 34) making them. However, 23% of those who set them end up quitting in the first week and only 9% of all adults achieve their goal. So many people quit early, the second Friday in January has been nicknamed “National Quitters’ Day.”
So just for fun let’s take today to reset. In fact, let’s declare today “National Do-Over Day.” I’d bet most of us in the flooring industry wish we could exercise this option in our daily lives. Experts claim most people fail to reach their goals for several reasons. first, and propbably most importantly, people are not genuine when setting goals. Whether it is to lose weight, exercise more, save money, stop smoking or countless other challenges, people tend to set goals based on external or peer pressures, so they never fully embrace the goal.
Second, people set themselves up to fail by setting vague or loosely defined goals where the results are not measurable. experts suggest setting SMART goals: ones that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timebound. Finally, success is not based on perfection – but on challenging yet achievable levels of improvement.
So, with your do-over day, what are you going to do differently?
2024 was not a banner year for me professionally. My team and I experienced some significant challenges that, when not managed with an intelligent and well-thought-out plan and proper execution, resulted in less than desirable results. Frankly, some of it was professionally embarrassing and costly. More than likely some of you had similar experiences. However, it is a new year so please take advantage of the opportunity to regroup and start over on the path needed to achieve your goals. Out of both necessity and desire, one of my goals is to focus on achieving greater and more consistent business results. I might be a little slow to admit it, but even after 40 years in the flooring business there is still more to learn and new skills to master.
i am in the process of reading a book recommended by a friend: High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard. It is a meaningful look at what high performers do to achieve consistent results. The author uses a famous quote from American philosopher Howard Thurman to advise his readers how to set long-term goals. One might take the liberty to replace thw word “country” in this quote with “company”, “relationship”, or “team” to amke it even more relative. “Don’t ask yourself what the country needs. Ask what amkes you come alive and go do it. Because what the country needs is more people who have come alive”.
As I look around at the people I admire, including many CFI members and staff, this is what I have come to realize. They are alive with energy, passion, enthusiasm and determination. They are not busy just going through the motions doing a job that brings them little or no satisfaction. Instead, they put their passion on full display. They impact everyone around them with their zeal.
As I look forward to the coming year, I know there will be challenges. Am I ready? Maybe not fully. However, I am willing to admit I do not know everything I might need to be successful. Let me remind everyone that putting your ego aside and asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Be strong and resourceful.
Before I close this column, let me extend a personal congratulations to our new executive vice president of CFI, Ralph Falavinha. He has an extensive and diverse background in the floor covering industry. He is also a longtime CFI member, and I am excited that one of our own will be leading our group.
2025 looks like a year of great promise for the membership and proof again why “WE ARE CFI.” Here is hoping 2025 brings each of you more of what you cherish most.
by Rod Van Busch