Two weeks ago under the heading, [first] Back [then] To The Future, we stressed the importance of looking over the past year to glean a sense of what worked well – and what didn’t. Using that data, we committed to look ahead to 2012 this week. And so there is just one more thing to do this year: set our goals for 2012.
Actually, setting goals is way too lofty. Instead, let’s each set one goal for next year; something new, something enticing, something audacious. One thing: I learned this approach from a friend named Tom many years ago. I first met him in Washington D.C at a conference.
He was the only one at the event with a camera – not the small digital kind we all have on our phones these days; Tom had a big monster single-lens-reflex camera with a big hairy flash on it. It really stood out at this snooty gathering. So I had to ask. I said, “Hi, my name is Tom.” He said, “So is mine.” Instant friends. Toms have to stick together, after all. So then I asked him about the reason for the camera with the big hairy flash on it.
Tom told me that each year he concentrated on learning or doing one new thing. Just one. That year, it was photography. And his strategy became mine (we Toms do have to stick together).
Ever since that brief discussion I have tried to learn one new thing each year. Just one. And you will never guess what I focused on in 2011. You got it. Pithy email communication. And I’ve learned a ton (and now have hundreds of readers). But you are the most important reader. Because there is only one of you (see last week’s email). OK, back to the future…
So, let’s each set one new goal. Make it simple, doable, new, captivating. Write it down. And then do it. Let’s each advance the ball in our lives or careers. Not on lots of things. Just one more thing.
Let me know what your one thing is. It would be a lot of fun to compare notes. And as always, if your goal on the professional side includes a dramatic momentum jump, give us a call. Dramatic momentum jumps are what we do. Best.
See you next year, and…
Happy New Year!
