Updated 2/16/2021. Originally Published 1/3/2015.

Just read David Cummings of David Cummings on Startups on “Do More Good Stuff in 2015“. In the article he discusses each day is an opportunity to reflect and make a change. As I pause and reflect on a few of my own goals, I also realize several activities that I should discontinue.

Top Three Things I Want to accomplish

First, Take the Dare

I am a planner and a list maker. I research and evaluate.

However, there are several items are on my bucket list waiting. I just need to get it started working my way through the list. Time is marching on. Several items have been on the list for more than a decade.

Next, Shorten the List

Whatever list is. Whatever it is about – just focus on the top 3. Handle the remaining items when (or if) they rise to the top.

Lastly, Implement Now

We have all heard the story about the shoemakers’ kids not having shoes. I plan and implement training projects for major organizations, tracking resources, actions and results.

I assess workplace needs and then chart a pathway to project success. However, after the workday has ended, I tend to leave those skills, and tools at the office.

I need to apply those skills that keep workplace projects on target and on a budget to my personal goals, such as the items on my bucket list. I have proven those skills will work… who deserves the be the recipient more than my personal self?

Top 3 Things I Should Discontinue

Foremost, The perfect moment is now

Rather than wait until I have the perfect course or workshop ready to launch, I need to realize that perfect is now, and 80% complete as an achievement, will always surpasses 100% of “never done at all”.

Then, Feeding for a day

Somewhere along the way, I forgot my grandfather’s voice in the back of my head. He was a lover of words. He had a quotation (we called them “sayings” back then) for every situation.

I can hear him reminding me not to do things for my little sister. Instead, he encouraged me to “teach her how to fish” for herself – show her how to fix her own lunch or do her own research in the encyclopedia (remember those?) Then he reasoned, she would “stop asking me” and would be capable of accomplishing it herself.

Decades later, I am still feeding – instead of teaching how to fish.

Time to head his advice and make Grandpa proud in my current role.

Finally, DTIP

I cannot take credit for this one. “Don’t Take It Personal (DTIP).”

In the early days of my training and education career, my peers and I attended a year-long corporate training university. It consisted of a set of courses focused on taking potential trainers and turning them into top-notch training professionals.

The learning event for the trainers (known as the Train-the-Trainer) included a series of month-long courses at the corporate university, lots of co-teach and solo training opportunities with daily team feedback and evaluations.

Whenever we received an evaluation from the lead trainers that were less than stellar, we would console each other after class. In response, the lead trainer would respond with “DTIP”, as a reminder that critical feedback is not always personal.

After all, we can each choose our individual reaction and subsequent action in response to feedback.

“Do More Good Stuff in 2015”, by David Cummings. Link: https://davidcummings.org/2014/12/31/do-more-good-stuff-in-2015/