A Keurig Kind Of Life

A Keurig Kind of Life

Over the Christmas holiday, we received a Keurig Coffee Maker as a gift.  It was a wonderful gift.  And, it made my wife’s eyes open wide.

I should point out that I am not a coffee drinker.  My wife, on the other hand, loves “the bean” by the pot full.

For those not in the know, a Keurig is a state of the art coffee machine that provides a piping hot cup of joe – one cup at a time – in seconds. 

I have heard people tout the positives of a Keurig:  it saves time; it does not waste coffee; it provides an opportunity for 2 people to enjoy a cup of their favorite blend (Columbian, flavored, breakfast, etc.); it also offered a coffee drinker and a tea drinker to enjoy their hot beverage at almost the same time.

I want to take a look at what a Keurig does – and how it relates to leadership and personal development.

 A Keurig’s purpose is to serve up a single serving of a piping hot beverage.  Sounds like such a simple task when looking at it from the point of the end result.  But, to set out from what we all knew as the carafe w/ a hot plate and hone in on brewing a superb cup of Chai, cup of hot cider or a cup of coffee takes a lot of work AND a lot of focus.

So what?  What does this have to do with personal development, leadership and goal setting?

A lot!

As we begin a new year, many of us have set goals – whether it is to lose weight, stop smoking, be more organized, read more motivational materials, etc.

But THAT – just like with a Keurig shows our end result.

In order to achieve that goal, we must focus – focus on ONE thing.  We must give 100% of our effort in to brewing that one cup of coffee just right.

Many hands worked as a team to create that Keurig.  Likewise, it will take more than YOU to help you reach your 2012 goal.  Keurig used engineers, design experts, chemists and assembly line people to reach their goal.  In order for you to reach your goal, I strongly suggest you get coaching from people who are experts in your goal area.  You also will need cheerleaders to root you on when you hit bumps in your journey.  And, you will need accountability people to help hold you to your word.

By focusing on one goal at a time, you are stacking the deck in your favor of achieving your goal.

Understand that you are separating yourself from the pack when you line up all your ducks with support. 

People often fail at goal achieving because they try to do too much, they set unrealistic expectations or they give up when discouragement sets in.

THAT is why many weight loss centers are jam packed in January and nearly empty by March. 

You want to be like a Keurig?  Focus on doing one thing great.  Surround yourself with a strong support team.  And, know that reaching your goal is NOT the end.

What was that?

Yes, the biggest naysayers with a Keurig was the high price of the individual coffee cups.  So how did Keurig respond?  They came out with a K Cup – a washable small cup that you can use your tub of Folgers with.  That’s right, you can keep buying coffee in your usual canister or bag and use it in a Keurig.

In 2012 learn from Keurig – focus on one thing – being your best at whatever you set as your 2012 goal.

Then, once you reach your goal – DON’T STOP!  Press on to the next goal – and the next……

I know you can do it…….

Ron