2009 – How are you going to kick it off?

I’ve seen a lot if tweets, blog posts and newsletters on how I should should “adjust” my way of thinking for 2009. And I’ve seen what others plan to do. So instead of creating my “resolution” list that I hide away from prying eyes, I’m going to lay it out and then encourage you to do the same. I feel that the social community is not only an exchange of ideas, but a support group. We need to help each other, so this is my first step. Here goes…

I have two groups of “change” that I want to address in my life – TASK-ORIENTED change (ex. I will quit smoking) and MACRO change (thanks Brian Reich – great point). MACRO change is what I want to change about myself and my overall way of thinking.

TASKS

• Stop smoking. Yeah, I know. Everyone says this, but I’m doing it FOR REAL this time.
• Create a more effective plan for my personal social media tactics. I spend a lot of time dabbling around my own properties but not getting anything accomplished and its a time suck. This must change.
• Attend more conferences and workshops. Believe it or not, I’m not that social in person, so I’m going to make a concerted effort to change it. I need to get out of my comfort zone. So if you see me, please say hi so I don’t feel stupid. =)
• Delegate. Again, its a comfort zone thing. But I’ve been reading up on delegation and time management and this will be a must for me in 2009. I spend too much time on mundane tasks and not enough time on what matters. Already looking for a personal assistant or intern. MUST DO THIS.
• Spend more time working on GoodDogz.org. I love my organization and want to spend more time expanding our reach, putting out our message and ultimately helping homeless dogs. In light of losing my dog last month, this has become a very important goal to me.

I’m keeping my TASK list small. Tasks are daunting and I can easily sweep them under the rug. But I want to really try to work it through so that on Dec. 31, 2009, I can say “Damn! I made it happen.”

MACRO

• Enjoy my family and friends. I don’t do this enough. There is always work, a crisis or an excuse. No more. These folks are too important to be second tier.
• Stop wasting time. My time is incredibly valuable to me, but for some reason I’ve had a hard time managing it. This is a task AND an overall goal…yeah, its that big of a problem.
• Forgive myself (thanks Chris Brogan). If I don’t finish an initiative or something isn’t doing as well as I’d like, I tend to beat myself up about it. In 2009, I’m going to learn to let it go. What’s the saying? “Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.” I’m there.
• Give more than I get. For me, the second half of 2008 was more about giving back than the first half, and I want to carry that through 2009. I want to help someone each day – whether its you, or someone with dog problems or someone I know or don’t know. It feels good and I want to feel good.
• Live life. ‘Nuff said.

I hope that my list inspires at least one person to really think about what they want to get out of 2009. 2008 was a rough year for me both personally and professionally and, quite frankly,  I’m happy to see it go. I’m ready to take 2009 by the horns.

What do you want to accomplish in 2009? Thoughts?

Tagged as: resolutions