Here are 4 challenges we set you for making 2012 a cracking year.

1. Create a results focused action plan 

Spend 30 minutes, working out what areas will lead to your professional and business success in 2012.  Create an action plan, with milestones to achieve this.  Make sure this is for life outside work too! And stick to it!

I don't mean New Years' resolution here.  What things to you want to be saying this time next year?  What do you want to have achieved?  What will people say about the part you played in 2012?

2. Work, life balance

No one ever said "I wish I spent more time at the office" as they sit their in retirement!  Plan those important events into your calendar now!  Book the time off for Nativity plays, birthdays, holidays and visiting friends and family.  Make sure you spend even more time, with more of your friends and family, in 2012.  It's probably more a matter of time and organisation, than desire! Get ahead now, with those dates into your diary!

3. Work for free next year! 

Well not exactly for free, but make sure that you are not a cost in 2012.  With all of the current financial pressures, work out how to contribute more than you cost (salary) your organisation. If you bring in and save more than your salary cost, you are a much stronger asset to any organisation.   Here are some questions for you to do this.

a) What can you do to increase sales?

b) How can reduce costs across your team?

For further ideas read our Adding Value tips (opens in new window).

4. Grow and develop

Do not put off training and coaching.  Plan it in now, identify the support you need and make sure it is in you diary well in advance.  As before you know it you will too busy again.  Identify a coach in 2012, that will enable you to grow and develop, making this the most successful year to date.