I used to think that attitude had a lot to do with how one responds to the missiles of business and life. But the more time I spend in business, the more I’m convinced that the success or failure of a mission is determined by how we prepare for adversity.

Have you ever met someone who’s highly motivated, full of energy, and ready to take on the world, yet they never seem to get anything done? They’re passionate and have the greatest intentions, but for some reason they just can’t accomplish their goals. In the fighter pilot world, they are what we call “all thrust and no vector.”

Regardless of how your year has been, it’s time to put it behind you and start preparing for 2013. While I’m recommending it is time to start planning for next year, I also encourage you to spend some time reviewing this year’s results.

More than 50 members of The Unified Group convened for the organization’s 14th annual Owner’s Forum and Annual Meeting in November to discuss the importance of succession and strategic planning, networking, business success, and more.