Archives for January 2014

Goal of the Week #47: Schedule an Hour a Week

ScheduleThis week’s goal: Schedule an hour a week to work on your passion project. An hour may not seem like a lot of time, but, believe me, it all adds up.  If you have more time, that’s great. But most people struggle to find any time at all to work on the project they love that is not yet bringing in money.

This project may be along the lines of a non-fiction book or novel, a new product or app, or a new website or blog. And it is usually either something that enhances/adds to a person’s business or it’s a side project that a person hopes to turn into full-time work one day.

No matter what the reasoning, scheduling time to work on such projects is an important part of the process. Make an appointment with yourself – and put the time in your calendar, ideally as a regular weekly appointment.

Long-term projects will get done. Just work on them consistently until you reach the finish line.

What long-term project will you put on your schedule?

Goal of the Week #46: Plan out Your Year

CalendarThis week’s goal: Plan out your Year. Last week’s goal was to determine where you want to be at the end of 2014. This week’s goal is to figure out how you are going to do it. Take your end-of-the-year goals and figure out what you need to accomplish each month in order to get them done. If you are writing a book this year, give yourself outline, chapter, and rewrite deadlines, and assign them throughout the year. If you plan to start a business, figure out what needs to be done in reasonable increments in order to do so. If you want to make your blog a must-read in your industry – and get on a top-10 list for 2014 – decide what you need to do each month to develop your content, extend your reach, and get noticed.

No matter what your plans for 2014, remember anything is achievable. Just set goals and reasonable deadlines … and make sure you stay on track!

What’s your big goal for 2014? 

Goal of the Week #45: Write Your End-of-the-Year Bio

Bio 2014This Week’s Goal: Write your end-of-the-year bio. We’ll be talking about annual goals a lot this month. It is, after all, January, and what you do this month could set you up for year-long success.

This week, write the bio you want to have by the end of 2014. You can include previous awards, jobs, and accomplishments, of course. But be sure to add in what you plan to achieve this year, including career benchmarks, company or product launches, and/or press, awards, and book releases. One more thing, write this bio in the present tense. It’s important to “tell the universe” what you want as if you already have it. The power of positive thinking – and doing – works!

Share a few lines from your end of 2014 bio in the comments.

Goal of the Week #44: Choose Your 2014 Theme

TypewriterThis week’s goal: Choose your theme for 2014.

At the beginning of every year there are certain to dos: list your personal and business goals/make your resolutions: get a better job, launch a business, workout regularly, meet your soul mate, the list goes on and on. While it’s important to know what you want if you want to achieve it, it’s also essential – as you jump into this new year – to know what kind of year you would like to have. Did you just get out of a bad job/difficult relationship? Is it a rebuilding year? Is this your growth year? What is your mission statement for 2014? What is your “power word,” slogan, or – with regards to Ally McBeal – theme song?

You will encounter ups and downs throughout this year’s journey. Choose a word, slogan, or song that represents your theme to keep your spirits up and your eye on the prize … and have a successful 2014.

 What is your power word for 2014?

January 2014 Goals

FireworksHappy New Year, everyone! The best thing about a brand new year is the fresh start that comes with it. This week, take a few minutes – if you haven’t already done so – and think about your goals for the year.

These should be big-picture goals that you will focus on throughout the year. Do you want to write a book this year? Start a blog? Start a business? Create an app? Grow your business?

Make sure you come up with a few personal goals as well: network regularly (once or twice a month), lose a certain amount of weight (exercise more, eat healthier foods), move, get a new roommate, really anything that will improve your personal life which will in turn help you move forward in your professional life.

Whatever you decide, write down your goals and look at them on a regular basis. Reviewing your goals consistently will help you to stay focused and keep your eye on the prize!

What are your goals for 2014? What are your goals for January? Feel free to share them in the comments. Best of luck for a successful 2014!