It’s been on my mind for the last few months. Everything I’ve read lately seems to speak it to me. Over the last few weeks as I’ve been planning 2017 this word keeps coming back with force.

The word is action.

Like you, I want 2017 to be my most productive and fun year ever. I started—about three weeks ago—by going through Michael Hyatt’s course 5 Days to Your Best Year Ever. That set the stage. It got me thinking about changes I need to make.

While some of the following are new to me, and I’m still trying to figure them out, I wanted to share three things I have decided I will do to make 2017 the year of action:

1. Create value: Focus right now on what I can do to improve my ability to create value—for my clients, for my partners and especially my family. Look back, occasionally, to learn, but spend time right now on doing the next thing that will get me closer to my goals. Focus on building a better future one step at a time. Focus every effort on creating value for others.
2. Reach up: I have come to realize the need to surround myself with people who are smarter, more talented and more energetic than me. Collaborating with these people is a top priority. This is a big undertaking—and it’s admittedly scary—but I’m going to work and make it happen. Connect with successful people.
3. Take the next step: Too often I get bogged down in figuring out what I need to do and planning how to do it right. That approach is necessary at times, but I have decided I’m going take the approach of taking the next step now. The ‘ground’ I step on may not always be perfectly solid, but I’m confident it will support me. By studying successful people, I have learned that it’s less important to figure out what the next step is than to just get moving. Take the next step…take action.

You know success does not come easily, but if you’re reading this blog, success is important to you. Dig deep and figure out what you need to do—right now—to take the next step towards your success. You have what it takes…just commit and take the next step.

Let’s work together to make 2017 the year of action.

Questions: How will you make 2017 your best year ever? What action do you need to take right now to make it happen? Please leave a comment in the space below.

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The Product Management Perspective: Product managers consistently face new opportunities and dilemmas. The tech world is changing so quickly that the only way to keep up is to act. Don’t hesitate, don’t over plan, don’t wait for the right time or the right knowledge. Just take action. Take risks. Take the next step. Make it happen.

Disclaimer: I get no discount or kickback from Michael Hyatt for referencing his course. I found it very helpful and I wanted you to know about it.