Thoughts for 2024

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Although it's just another day, the beginning of a new year brings a sense of excitement and new possibilities. It's like turning a new page and starting a new chapter in our lives.

Capitalizing on the opportunity helps us take stock of what we want to carry with us over the next year. In no particular order, here are some of the ideas, quotes, and lessons that are top of mind for me.

1. The best experiences are those you’re committed to. It's important to understand that our feelings towards our jobs, relationships, and opportunities are internal processes, not determined by external factors.

2. Replace 'I didn't have time' with 'I didn't make it a priority.' Time isn’t found; it’s prioritized. We have far more control over how we spend our days than we realize, which requires far more intentionality than we give it credit for.

3. Be open to opportunities and choosy with commitments. Cultivate optionality, and be savvy in your selections. The goal is to minimize future regrets, not current discomfort.

4. It’s never as bad as we fear or as good as we hope. Poor decisions stem from poor forecasting. We think in extremes, but the world works in averages. Be aware of the best and worst case, but don’t expect it.

5. Playing it safe is dangerous. Mediocrity thrives in conservative choices. Above-average results exist at the intersection of non-consensus and correct thinking.

6. Most failures stem from failures to communicate. Disappointment is the disparity between expectations and reality. That discrepancy can often be solved by being more explicit about what you want and following up to confirm that what you want is what’s being done.

7. Sell the brownie, not the recipe. As Morgan Housel puts it — the best story wins. Focus on connecting rather than convincing.

8. Efficiency is a trap. Yes, we need to be efficient, but efficiency at the expense of creativity is another path to mediocrity. HBR asked Jerry Seinfeld about efficiency, and his answer was priceless.

9. Pursue perspective; avoid advice. Every success is the result of a series of sacrifices. What we’re willing to sacrifice depends on what we value, desire, and fear. Rather than relegating those decisions to those whose guidance we seek, understand their perspectives and make your own choices.

10. Choose joy; craft fulfillment. Happiness is a decision to appreciate today, and fulfillment is a decision to build a better tomorrow. Whatever those things are, pursue them relentlessly because nobody will do it for us.

While I have you here, if you haven’t already, check out some of my content and appearances in other forums. As always, if you enjoy it, please consider sharing with your friends, family, and network.

• FP&A Today Podcast - How to Win at FP&A with Psychology, Strategy, and Tradeoffs

• Chief Future Officer Podcast - Shedding the “Dr. No” nickname

• CFO Connect Summit - From Reporting to Rrefomring: How CFOs go beyond the numbers to drive strategy