In 1994, I stopped making New Year's Resolutions. I was a newly married 20-something and believed resolutions were just things people wished they could do, not things they actually did. I purchased a journal and devoted it exclusively to setting goals for the coming year.
Every year since, I have used that journal to set goals, grouping them together into what resulted in a long list of things I'd like to accomplish in the coming year. I set goals like "Be nicer to my husband." (I'm no longer married to that husband.) I also included the usual "Lose 5 pounds." (I've gained 20 since I started the journal in 1994.) Of course, I had some accomplishments along the way, BUT I decided to do something different this year.
I examined my professional life and determined ONE thing that I want to accomplish in 2009. Instead of making the usual list of things that make me feel like I've done my duty by thinking about them, I decided to make one big thing happen, REALLY happen.
To find your one BIG thing for 2009, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Have I wanted to accomplish this for a long time? In my case, I have wanted to do my big thing for 4 years. I have outlines on scraps of paper. I have a notebook and reams of information to get started. Failure to focus and fear of wasting time always kept me from just starting somewhere.
2. Will it make a difference in my career? My big thing will likely change the focus of my career, help me reach a broader clientele and provide some professional validation, all good reasons to just try. For you, the one big thing may better organize your approach to your business, cause sales growth or give you an additional credential. It could even mean a career change.
3. Will it productively impact my overall life? Whether my big thing is ultimately successful commercially or not, I will have done something that, for me, will be a big positive. Choose that big thing that will provide personal happiness as well as professional fulfillment. The two are not the same.
4. Is it risky? My big thing risks my time and energy, which may or may not mean a loss of actual money. If your big thing requires an investment of capital, examine it carefully and come up with small steps you can take while still preserving your resources. Chances are, you can make several meaningful steps toward your BIG thing without significant capital investments.
5. Enlist help. By telling all of you about my one BIG thing, I am creating a huge accountability chain. Find people who will cheer you on, provide positive feedback and offer constructive criticism. My husband and a couple of girlfriends do this for me. Allowing people to hold you accountable might provide the impetus you've always needed to accomplish your BIG thing.
6. Be detailed about how you are going to achieve your BIG thing. I broke my approach down into small steps that are doable without becoming overwhelming for me. By attacking a small bit every day, you will be well on your way to completion before you know it.
7. Let some other things go. Look at the things that have historically made a difference for you both professionally and personally. Do not keep investing in things that do not provide a return. By jettisoning some previous expectations and forming new habits, you'll free up some time to focus on your BIG thing.
Approach 2009 with ferocity, ingenuity and persistence. I hope you have your best year yet.
