The new calendar year is upon us and the Chinese Zodiac, which starts the new year February 18th, marks the Year of the Pig.
According to the Chinese calendar…
Intellectually curious, honest and tolerant, those born in the Year of the Pig can be relied upon for their loyalty and often make true friends for life.
[The Pig’s] main goal in life is in serving others, and no matter how difficult circumstances become the Pig will never waiver or retreat, forging ahead in the sure knowledge that all will be well. source
We can learn some great traits from the Pig. Let’s see how they can benefit our businesses this year.
1. Continue Learning
Stay “intellectually curious” throughout the coming year. Read good books, magazines, blogs, and publications. Take your kids to the library. Try to learn something new everyday. If you stop learning, the world will pass you by as you become the obsolete dinosaur.
2. Honesty
Irregardless of the circumstances, you must remain honest in all your dealings. At times this may be difficult but making the right choice must always outweigh any perceived short term benefits of cheating the system.
3. Tolerant
How high is your threshold for others’ mistakes? Do you give them the benefit of the doubt or immediately throw down the hammer? Be tolerant of others. You may probably never know the circumstances that have lead to the current mishap. As Stephen Covey has counseled, “seek first to understand…then to be understood.”
4. Loyal
Where should your loyalties lie? Shakespeare wrote: “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” In business you should be loyal to your company, employees, shareholders, suppliers, and especially your customers. Imagine if, like the Pig, you become the “friend for life” to your customers. How would that impact their loyalty to your business?
5. Serve Others
By putting the interests of others before yourself, people will be attracted to you and this will naturally lead to better relationships–both professionally and personally.
6. Unwaivering
Stay faithful to your goals and objectives for the new year. Be persistent in working hard to accomplish them. Distractions will arise and obstacles will trip you. However, stay agile in your response and persistent in your progress.
7. Eternally Optimistic
You’ll never be able to accomplish great things if you’re always second guessing yourself. You can get things done but you must visualize the happy ending you’re chasing. Sprinkle your optimism with a dose of reality so that while your goals may be ambitious, they are still achievable.
Happy New Year! May the coming year bring much success and happiness to you and yours.