Well what a year it has been! The start of the new financial year is a perfect time to reflect on what has been and what is yet to be. There are so many parts to analyse in order to aid your future success. What were the highs? The lows? What could you have done differently?
These questions will ensure that the 2014-2015 financial year will be your best year yet.
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius
Even though we are looking at it from a financial year perspective, it’s not just all about the finance. It’s about your wins and losses, your passions and your changes. Nothing says that this year has to be the same as the last. If something was not working for you then maybe it is time to refocus your direction and your future plans.
One of the most important aspects which often gets overlooked is the passion behind what you do. Is it still as strong or are there areas in which you can focus on more strongly to reaffirm your love for what you do? Have your values changed or altered during the previous twelve month period?
Do you need to build on your skills or sign up for a career enhancement program to increase your knowledge? All leaders should, as a matter of course, challenge themselves to meet their highest potential so acknowledging this process formally is a way of ensuring that it doesn’t get pushed to the wayside.
Your business plan, including your marketing plan, should be given a dusting off and rewritten to include all of the above changes and more. Are there new ways you can market your business or did you learn something new you can utilise in the coming financial year? How did your budget fare? Were there situations when you spent more money than was necessary? Are there ways you can look to increase your income that you haven’t thought of?
Inner reflection and overall business reflection is a great way to truly understand where you are at the moment. Take some time out of your schedule and invest your attention where it is necessary to accelerate your career and personal growth. Your future self will thank you for it.
