2017 Lessons
I like to take time at the end of each year to reflect on where I’ve been and the lessons I’ve learned. Here are my personal takeaways from 2017.
1. Enjoy every moment while you can…
Sadly, I watched my mom slip into the late stages of dementia after a ruptured brain aneurysm in early June. As a result, we moved her and my dad to assisted living last week and feel relieved they’ll be safe. But, this hideous disease has robbed us of the fun, smart, scrappy mom we’ve always known and loved and taken its toll on our whole family, especially my dad who has been her main caregiver for the past six months.
Always remember that life is short and take time, whenever you can, to spend it with those you love.
2. Great clients are a blessing…
I’m so fortunate to be coaching the most amazing business owners in Michigan and to experience the pure joy they feel breaking profit growth records and creating more productive, happier teams. Their smiles say it all.
If you haven’t told your clients how much you enjoy working with them, it’s probably time to reach out with a personal note or phone call. They’ll love it and you will too!
3. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks…
After 11 years of focusing my practice on business coaching alone, I launched a new M&A service offering to help owners prepare for transition and negotiate the sale of their companies. This is an extremely important phase in a business, and I’m proud to say that I helped my first client close a deal with a perfect buyer and have launched several other projects for clients this fall.
If you plan to be in business for the next few years, don’t believe you’re too old to learn a new skill. In fact, your business success will rely on you always looking for new opportunities.
4. Despite what you hear in the news, most of us are good people…
After four years as the Chairman of the Board for Macomb Habitat for Humanity, I’m moving on as my term comes to an end. During my time as leader for this amazing non-profit, I’ve had the privilege to serve beside hundreds of volunteers, partner families, and an incredible staff who always put the well-being of others ahead of their own. I thank you all for helping me see the world through your loving and generous eyes.
The wonderful truth is that most of us don’t judge people by the color of their skin, political views, or religious beliefs and that gives me hope for the rest of the world.
So, these are my lessons. But, more important, I hope you’ll look back on your own lessons taught by the passing of time; learn from them and use that wisdom to embrace the opportunities of 2018.
May you and your family enjoy all the blessings of this magical time of the year.
