2010 off to a slow start?

I don't want to admit it, but I'm behind this year. As the organizer of many-a-things, I am disappointed with how long it is taking me to get going this year on planning our first event. So....please accept my apologies.

In result, I figure that there should be some type of resolution for this situation, and that's where this blog comes into play. Resolutions are things that can be made at any time of year, because they are essential like a to-do list. So how do we make effective resolutions? ..Well, I'm glad you asked, as I write (or maybe a few minutes after I complete this blog) I will be writing a list of resolutions for TheCircleLA.

There are definitely some key tricks to writing good resolutions, so I thought I would share with you all; so that you can make 2010 your BEST year yet.

1. Figure out what you want to accomplish! - Ok, this may be self-explanatory but it has to be said. Take some time for yourself one day, sit down and really think about where you would like to be by the end of the year or even in the next three months.

Don't think about where you are today - that will just throw wrenches in your plan. Plan like everything is possible.

2. Be realistic - It may sound good to say you're going to make $250K this year, but are you really going to do that? Make sure that your resolutions are something that you can stick with and really give effort to. If you think that $100K is a reasonable number then go for it; only YOU know your limits. If your goal is too ridiculous in any area, you'll be more likely to forget it or give up.

3. Having measurable goals - Be sure that you are setting some expectation for yourself. Saying to yourself "I'm going to start a business this year" doesn't really say much at all. Remember, these are for yourself for the most part.

Put numbers and details on your goals like; I'm going to develop my business plan by February 28th or I'm going to find a business partner by March. Putting dates and numbers on your goals gives you some feasible motivation to work towards. You don't have to make it ridiculous, its not a competition.

4. Tell people about your plans - Does a tree make a sound when it falls in the woods if no one hears it? Tell someone about your goals/plans, this is probably someone close to you or maybe even a friend that you're writing resolutions with. That way, someone is a witness and possibly may ask you how your getting along at certain points. If you have someone to share it with, it's easier to keep your resolutions throughout the year.

5. Keep them visible - Have your resolutions handy. I generally have mine on a half sheet of paper in my planner. Sometimes when i'm flipping through to check something else I run across and re-read them. This is a great reminder of what you have to accomplish and keeps them in your head. It's not surprising that you won't have them memorized. Another good place is your wallet.

6. Check-in mid year! - Right before summer hits, check in with yourself. If you check-in mid year and you kind of put some of the items by the way side, you still have about 6 months to accomplish some of your goals. Most of our goals won't take a whole year to get to, but we give ourselves that much because we've gotta live life. This is a great time to check things off your list (my favorite) so you can see what you have left and how much progress you have made!

7. Celebrate yourself - There's never a bad time to celebrate. I generally see new year's as a time of celebrating the past year and really seeing all that I have accomplished. But along the way, have small celebrations when you accomplish each smaller goal so that you continue to feel good and have something to look forward to.

8. Keep it short! - Last but not least. Having 100 resolutions for the year is a little out of range. Create as many as you think is important to really get to that year. I generally have about 10 main goals for the year, other stuff comes up; both those 10 I make sure to keep top of mind.

Good luck and let's get going! TheCircleLA is going to try a lot of new things in the new year and we are excited to share our plans with you. See YOU in TheCircle!