ACUP Lesson: Seven Steps to Achieving Your Goals
ACUP keynote speaker Mack Dryden gave an inspirational and humorous talk to start the conference.
This month's Association of College and University Printers (ACUP+) conference in Cincinnati started with some laughs and lessons as keynote speaker Mack Dryden gave an inspirational and humorous talk that drew plenty of laughter — even as he described his battles with cancer and his stint in a Moroccan prison. He also shared his seven-step formula for achieving personal and professional goals.
1. Control your fears and stress. "Stress is such a powerful negative force, dragging you back," he said. "You've got to get it under control or it will control you." He tries to find ways to laugh, especially when the stressful situation is out of his control.
2. Maintain a positive mental attitude. "A positive attitude gives positive results," he said.
3. Identify a specific target and deadline. Small goals will eventually get you to your larger goal, he said. As an example, he demonstrated how he regained the flexibility he once had as a karate black belt by accomplishing small flexibility goals until he reached his target.
4. Write a plan. This applies to your person as well as your business goals.
5. Take action. This is the scary part, he said, but you have to force yourself to get moving.
Keynote speaker Mack Dryden demonstrates how he regained the flexibility he once had as a karate black belt by accomplishing small flexibility goals until he reached his target. (Photo by Gary Warren)
6. Observe objectively. Take note of the responses you're getting to your action, he said; don't just hear what you want to hear.
7. Learn and adjust: Change direction if necessary based on the responses you're getting.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.
