Think about where you were 6 months ago. Not just
technically, but regarding your ability to manage yourself, your clients, your
staff, your firm. What have you been focusing on and developing so that you are
better now than you were then?

If you’re like most, you aren’t any better. You’re just 6
months older with 6 months more of doing what you were already doing. But
you’re not any better. Why is that?

1. You think you’re not as bad as the others are. Now THAT’S
a standard of excellence to aspire to. Yeah,
I’m not the worst there is, so I’ll just stay the same.

2. You think you’re better than you actually are.
Research shows that most people consider themselves above average, which
obviously can’t be the case. You think you’re above average because you
accentuate your capabilities and minimize your deficits. Balanced out, you’re
probably not as good as you think you are.

3. You think there’s no sense of urgency. What will
happen if you don’t improve? Nothing, so you do nothing.

If you can’t look over the last 6 months and show you’re
making progress and getting better, you aren’t. Instead, you just did work—billed
hours, did what was necessary and kept below the radar, convincing yourself
you’re good enough. That’s a sure indicator that you’re coasting, and there’s
nothing fulfilling about coasting.

Instead, take your career seriously. Set a goal to be
better in some way so that at the end of the next 6 months, you can say you
didn’t squander the time. If you don’t know what to focus on, ask someone who
works with you. They will tell at least one thing that will make you better and
easier to work with.

This week, chart a course for developing something so
that, in 6 months, you will enjoy the fulfillment of achievement.