Issue 111: Is It Time to Stop, Evaluate and Improvise or Adjust?

“Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them.”
- William Arthur Ward

Mj with her keynote sidekick Henry

Now that we’re in the second quarter of 2023, is it a good time to stop for 15 minutes, evaluate your first three months and adjust your action plan?

I’ve coined this three-step system, The Traffic Light Approach, which I share in my keynotes and trainings. I use it for everything, from flipping adversity into positivity and improvising what I must do to hit my goals. And you can, too.

Most of you know I identify one word as an overarching theme for my year. As we head into the next 12 weeks, I set aside time to evaluate what goals I did hit, what I need to improve to make strides toward the goals I still want to achieve, and how my year is progressing according to my one-word theme.

My 2023 theme is “open,” with the thought of being open to opportunities. I track actions and accomplishments related to the word of the year. It’s fun to see what happens because of the word choice.

Here is a small sampling of the opportunities that have occurred.

• After reading my blog, the director of one non-profit organization asked me to share an Open for Opportunities program. Since then, two more associations have booked that program.

• During a Detroit conference, the 10 Simple Strategies presentation had an overwhelming response, with attendees asking for a 13 Simple Client Follow-Up Strategies book explicitly geared toward the tourism industry. Since I had customized the program with core examples and graphics, it made sense to turn it into the next book in the series. The manuscript for 13 Simple Follow-Up Client Strategies for Tourism is back from my editor and ready for the interior layout.

• After attending my 10 Simple Strategies program, a travel magazine editor interviewed me for an upcoming issue. (I’ll keep you posted.)

I’m cheering you on to keep moving toward those goals. Keep achieving the small steps because they will create a compound effect.

Here are a few thoughts about the word open to ponder.

1. Staying open to new experiences, ideas and perspectives creates personal and professional growth and increases our worldviews.

2. An open mindset leads to greater collaboration and fosters an environment for innovation.

3. Being open to different perspectives leads to more effective decision-making because you have an expanded reference point.

Bounce-Up™ Momentum Builders

• Are there moments that something new could stop you from saying “yes”?

• How are you “open” to receiving opportunities?

• What unexpected opportunity came your way in the first quarter?

Mj Happenings

• I’m heading to Florida this week for business and a side of family fun.

• I’m thrilled and honored to have a summer intern with a positive spirit.

• Next week, I’m off to Raleigh to speak at a conference.

Until next time, Power-Up, Play-Up™, and Bounce-Up™!

Mj

P.S. If you’re in the tourism industry, would you like a complimentary advance copy of 13 Simple Client Follow-Up Strategies for Tourism Professionals? Email me so I can get you a digital copy asap!