Thoughts I’m taking into next year and beyond
My personal thoughts at the end of a challenging year for most everyone in some way. I’m sure most folks already live by these but they seem more pertinent to me then ever.
I’m a true believer that ‘010 is going to be an incredible year for those with the energy to grab it. I already feeling good about it and it has not quite begun.
Five thoughts to guide my decisions moving forward:
1. Do what your gut tells you to and follow your instincts without swerving. Not always easy or simple. For me personally, I decided that regardless of the economy, I was going to move the base of my business back to NYC, find clients here and do a reverse commute to the west coast as needed. I traded in my Audi S-4 and LA life for a subway pass and a chance to live where I wanted to be. It is already working wonders for me.
2. Commit with passion to the people and things that really matter. A basic truth that opens up wide roads if you have the chutzpah to do this. I’m not allowing myself to waste energy on anything. It needs to resonate true for me to invest my time with people and projects.
3. Sometimes you need to listen hardest to the people that really know you the best. Experts are important and provide data, friends provide input from the heart. Learning to weigh and balance these is critical. An easy thing to say, not always simple to do.
4. Broaden your networks beyond those you already know by pursuing hard your passions and interests. Personal interests and their networks are sometimes as valuable as professional ones. Finding connections with others who are similarly enthused will drive your business forward in ways you can’t plan for. Trust me on this one. My passion for wine and travel and urban life is driving my consulting business forward in inexplicable ways.
5. Take big shots at new things. The social web breaks down barriers to entry into new networks and new opportunities. If you have the energy and the passion and guts to move forward, there is a way to make it happen. There is an entrepreneurial spirit in the social web that is infectious. I’m in.
I sincerely wish my family and friends and growing blog community a terrific and healthy and prosperous new year.
