As we end the first month of 2010, it is time to reflect on where your business is going and how are you going to achieve those objectives. A number of significant events have taken place in our global environment that may be forcing you to look at your business much differently than you did a year ago. Take some time to reflect on the following questions and honestly evaluate where you are, where you are going, and how you plan to get there.

Are you on target to achieve your 2010 business objectives?
Are your marketing activities generating the necessary results?
Are you working with enough clients to achieve your goals?
Do you enjoy working with the clients you have?
What are your goals and key objectives for 2010?
Are you looking to expand into any new markets? Why or why not?

However, business is not just about numbers, activities, strategic plans, objectives, and revenue. All of these things are important and in many cases critical to build a sustainable business, but they are only one half of the equation. The other half of the equation is you. Your personal ability to grow requires honest reflection. Look at yourself and your experiences this year with as much objectivity as you can. Reflect on you and your contribution to the success of your business.

What did I learn – new skills, knowledge, insights, etc? (List them all.)
How have my newly acquired skills, knowledge, and insights contributed to the success of my business?
What did I accomplish? (List all your wins and achievements.)
How did those wins or accomplishments impact the success of my business?
What would I have done differently and why? (Be specific and honest with yourself.)
What were the most significant events of the year thus far? (List the top three.)
What did I do right?
What do I feel particularly good about?
What was my greatest contribution?
What were the fun things I did?
What were the not so fun things I did?
What were my biggest challenges, roadblocks, or difficulties? (Be specific.)
How am I different this year than last?
What will I do differently? (Be specific.)
For what am I particularly grateful?

Feel free to add additional questions that may provide meaning for you.

As you can see, it is very difficult to ignore the power of the I’s and the my’s in those questions. You are a critical component to the success of your business and an honest, objective evaluation of where you are could be the difference between success and failure. Your ability to achieve your desired goals and build a sustainable business begins and ends with you. There will always be outside forces generating obstacles or pushing and pulling your business in different directions. The most powerful asset you have is you. Make a commitment to honestly evaluate your contribution as a business asset and make the commitment to reinvest in yourself and grow. The success of your business depends on it!