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The Two Forces That Will Determine Your Consulting Firm’s 2021

Space-X recently completed another mission. The company hurled a handful of humans (who are infinitely braver than I am) into space so that they can literally hang out at the International Space Station.

Rocketeers balance two forces: gravity and thrust.

Gravity holds the rocket in place on the launch-pad at Cape Canaveral, which is convenient for the astronauts.

Gravity’s actually a wimpy force, but the earth is so darn huge compared to the rocket, that gravity seems powerful.

Then there’s thrust, which lifts the rocket from the launch pad and accelerates it to a bazillion meters per second.

Gravity and thrust. Opposing, necessary forces for achieving humanity’s crowning achievement: baking cookies in space. (Yep, the first food baked in space was chocolate chip cookies! Those NASA folks have their priorities straight.)

Two powerful, and somewhat opposing, forces also shape your achievements as an individual and your consulting firm’s success.

The Force of Wisdom. This is a historical force. By examining the past weeks, months and years, you will improve your understanding of what worked and what failed in your efforts to lead your consulting firm.  

The Force of Promise. This is a future force. By envisioning and powerfully committing to your consulting firm’s desired future, you will unlock the energy, resources and focus necessary to smash through barriers.

Your past provides lessons. Your future provides possibilities.

As the leader of a consulting firm, build upon your past and draw inspiration from your future.

You’re approaching the start of a new year—the perfect time to put both forces to work for your consulting firm.

This isn’t rocket science. It’s easy. Right now, in this very moment, harness the Force of Wisdom and the Force of Promise by pinpointing your biggest lesson and inspiration.

Your Biggest Lesson from the Force of Wisdom

If you could travel back in time and meet yourself one year ago for just 30 seconds, what would you tell yourself? (Think of a lesson, not a specific event. You’re not allowed to tell past you that there will be a global pandemic.)

In other words, what one nugget of wisdom would you hand your past self? What is your most important lesson learned from the past year—the one that will help your consulting firm make the most of next year?

Your Biggest Inspiration from the Force of Promise

Flip the time-travel direction and visit yourself one year from now. Project yourself to the end of a successful 2021 during which your consulting firm scaled new heights. What’s the lesson you believe you’ll learn or that you want to learn?

In other words, with perfect future-sight, what giant shove would you give your consulting firm? What’s the galvanizing opportunity that your consulting firm can manifest and make real next year?

Two forces. Two giant contributors to your consulting firm’s fabulous 2021.

Please take a moment to inspire me and other readers. Share one lesson you’ve learned from this past year or one possibility you’re creating for your consulting firm’s future.


10 Comments
  1. Fernando Brom GEN Consulting
    December 2, 2020 at 6:42 am Reply

    1. Never give up. Never. Ever. Fight for your rights even when you feel you are not being considered. You are what you do …..and don´t do.

    2. Success has just one unique requirement : you have to be there when it comes. It´s not about good luck. It´s about good job well done…timely…. and with excellence ( continous improvement). It comes when it comes. Not when you want or deserve.

    • David A. Fields
      December 2, 2020 at 8:36 am Reply

      Those are two excellent lessons/inspirations, Fernando. They reveal your can-do attitude and commitment to being in action, both of which are ingredients for success in consulting.

      Thank you for kicking off the comments!

  2. Jim Talerico
    December 2, 2020 at 8:05 am Reply

    Thanks for the wisdom David ! Happy Holidays and Happy New Years to you and your team !

    • David A. Fields
      December 2, 2020 at 8:36 am Reply

      All the wisdom flows from smart readers like you, Jim. All the best for safe and joyous holidays to you too!

  3. Kiran
    December 2, 2020 at 9:09 am Reply

    Focus on what is important to the client. It is easy to fall into what your consulting company or yourself like to work on, leaving the client feeling like they are in it for a ride…

    • David A. Fields
      December 2, 2020 at 9:17 am Reply

      Exactly! Stay Right-Side Up and remember that your consulting business is about your clients. That’s a terrific lesson and an inspiring vision. I’m glad you shared, Kiran!

  4. Christina
    December 3, 2020 at 2:38 pm Reply

    Loved these uniquely framed questions, David! Thank you.
    I would tell myself to stop trying to be everything to everyone, and Know Thyself, and what I bring to the table…and then let it Shine! It may be simple for some, but not for me.

    • David A. Fields
      December 3, 2020 at 7:08 pm Reply

      Those are lovely answers to the questions, Christina. Not too simple at all; rather, straightforward, memorable and uplifting. Perfect lessons and inspirations for the year to come. Thank you for sharing!

  5. Israel Hernandez
    December 3, 2020 at 10:55 pm Reply

    Discipline is the key. Sacrifice time now so you can have free time later

    • David A. Fields
      December 4, 2020 at 7:57 am Reply

      Two notable lessons, Israel. Consistency, whether through discipline or mechanisms that make you look disciplined, is unquestionably a large contributor to success. And, as you point out, delaying a little gratification now for much more later can often pay off handsomely.

      I’m glad you contributed both of those insights, Israel!

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