This week, I’m preparing mentally and physically to spend some time in reviewing tasks and objectives while looking back at the various things that I had set out to accomplish in 2025.
Last week, I wrote about limitations, and you can consider today’s topic a deeper dive into that specific word.
On a recent drive to Birmingham this past Thursday, while driving up I-65, I witnessed a license plate that read MKDREAM. The car was a Pink Cadillac, and yes, the letters MK stood for Mary Kay.
I immediately thought to myself: “What does it take to get a Pink Cadillac from Mary Kay?”
“Approximately 1.5% of Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants reach the status of Independent Sales Director. Approximately 10% of Mary Kay Independent Sales Directors earn the use of the iconic Pink Cadillac.”
The Mary Kay Pink Cadillac just made a shocking turn
As I rode behind it for several miles, I said internally, The driver is living their dream.
It was a reality that the driver of the car was also where they wanted to be today, based on the age and model of the Pink Cadillac from Mary Kay.
The question needing an answer is, are you where you expected you to be in 2025?
Did you meet the goals you envisioned that you wanted to accomplish this year?
How focused were you in accomplishing those goals?
It’s that question that I will be asking myself in doing my review of 2025.
One constant thing is that each of us has the same 24 hours in a day to accomplish what we need to accomplish, except some are better focused on getting the job done.
I’m reminded of two books I’ve read many times over, which are “A Sense of Urgency and Leading Change by John Kotter.”
Within Leading Change, there is also an 8 Step process which I have added a link to download the 8 Step E-Book. I have no ties to John Kotter except being an avid reader of his books.
The 8-Step Process for Leading Change | Dr. John Kotter
For years and still today, I remain a subscriber to his newsletters.
I subscribe to Dr. John Kotter’s newsletters because I consider him a thought leader, and every book that I have read by him has continued to make a difference in my life.
As I continue to be inspired by various thought leaders who are also shaping my faith, business, and life, I can’t forget about the ones in my circle of concern and circle of influence that Stephen R. Covey talks about as well.
“Rooted in proactive psychology and popularized by Stephen R. Covey, it distinguishes between what we care about (the Circle of Concern) and what we can directly influence.” “You cannot always control what goes on outside, but you can always control what goes on inside.”
Take a moment to watch the video that supports this conversation.
The Circle of Influence—Focus Here and Watch Your Problems Dissolve | Stephen Covey Principles HQ
Therefore, we must all try and become effective at what we are trying to accomplish.
Therefore, this year, I’m grateful for those in my circle of influence who continue to pour into me.
It’s a matter of being proactive.
“Looking back, we see with great clarity, and what once appeared as difficulties now reveal themselves as blessings.” Dan Millman
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” Steve Jobs
This week, I challenge you to look back and think mentally and physically about all the various things that you had set out to accomplish in 2025, and ask the question: “Did you come close to doing what you expected to accomplish?”
Good morning CM, thanks for the thoughts of reflection this morning …
Things I feel I did not accomplish this year is further nurturing my relationship with GOD so I can have better discernment in my journey. In addition, I failed to reconnect with some important people in my circle. Outside of that, I feel comfortable but not “complacent” with my 2025 accomplishments. Likewise, I have already journaled tasks on my white board in my home office and journaled in my notebook for compound effect (vision board to come).
Overall, the plan is to pray more and bring some things to life moving forward – no New Years resolution, just commitment.
Terrance,
Greetings,
It’s always a pleasure to get your insight and comments. Thanks for being open and honest about what you did accomplish. I fall in one of the same categories as it relates to nurturing my relationship with GOD. I could and can do better in 2026. We are all human, and at times when things are good or bad, I must go back and say thank you. You’re ahead of me in journaling or documenting those tasks. I don’t do a vision board; however, on my computer in my home office, I look back reflection to this year’s reflection to see how I can better utilize my time. Nevertheless, congratulations on what you have accomplished so far. I’m sure with your recent promotion to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), you have much work ahead of you.
Terrance, I’m so proud of your accomplishments over the years we have known each other.
CM
Thank you CM! As always I will keep you and your family in prayer. As it relates to constructing a vision board, I plan to change it up by doing a digital one and keep it in my phone & print a small version to keep in the pocket of my moleskin notebook.
Terrance,
My pleasure!
That’s ingenious “phone & print a small version to keep in the pocket of my moleskin notebook.”
CM
Sir, your thought for this Monday is what I have been trying to focus on, even though I haven’t cut out time to really reflect. But reading your thoughts has made it an urgency for me. I would say I have not done so well in keeping true to my plan for 2025, but in some areas, I have made good progress. Thank you for sharing your thoughts; it is always a blessing, especially the links.
Afolabi,
Blessings and it’s good to know that you have made some good progress. The key is doing it. Stay focused and it will happen.
McKinley
Mckinley,
Today your thoughts remind me to review my goal for 2025. I still have a couple than needs to be accomplished as we begin to close out 2025. Even if I do not meet all my goals this year, I believe I have improved my life and broaden my horizon.
Scott,
The key words that I picked up on are your positive comments about yourself, knowing that you believe you have improved your life and broaden your horizons. Continue to press forward.
McKinley