Three Tips for a Thriving 2010

December is a reflective month for me. Despite the flurry of activity that swirls around me, for several years, I have made a point of carving out time to evaluate the year that is ending and to anticipate what the next year might bring.

We’ve had a very difficult year as a country. And as a world. 2009 challenged most of us, while 2010 is, as yet, an unopened book.

For 2009, I’ve chosen to view our global struggle as my signal that there is nothing I can take for granted. And that I have everything to be grateful for.

Which leads me to 2010…

I ask myself: How can I make 2010 a wonderful year to savor, even as it whizzes by (they all seem to do that now!)?

Since I was doing this work for myself, I thought I’d share some of the thoughts I’d come up with.

1. Know your goal-setting style.

   As I listened to a client talking about goal-setting today, I realized that there are probably several different goal-setting styles.

   There is the “I have a 10 year plan” style. Then there is the “I create new goals every year” style. Of course, there is the “Goals? – I’m too busy for goals” style. And then there’s mine. 

   My style is best described as “I don’t do well with goals, but I’m great at spotting opportunities and then putting one foot in front of the other, while keeping my eye on the longer-term prize” style. A little long-winded, but that’s it, in a nutshell!

   What’s your internal goal-setting style, and how can you put it to work BEST for you?

2. Quit procrastinating.

   I’m convinced that procrastination is one of our greatest human failings. And of course, procrastination and its subsequent paralysis are deeply tied to fear. I speak from personal experience!
   
   And I also know what it’s like to set my fear aside, or tackle it head-on. I prod myself on by just taking that first, and then that second, and then that third step. It’s how I have grown my business every inch of the way. It’s also how I made my late-life dream of being a parent come true.

   What’s holding you back?
   What first step will get you moving?

3. Reach out and touch someone.

   I can’t use this phrase without attributing it to AT&T – but it really works for me.

   Whether it’s blogging with you in mind, writing this newsletter, making new friends on LinkedIn, attending my monthly networking meetings, seeking help from other experts, contacting successful physician entrepreneurs for podcast interviews or hunting down old acquaintances and friends on Facebook, it’s these activities that remind me of my role in a community filled with real. Live people. Like you.

   I can’t stress that word “community” enough. Although I prefer Seth Godin’s term Tribe.

   This tribal role I’ve created for myself keeps my sense of purpose awakened (those of you who know me know that my personal mission is to be “the bright spark that lights people’s fires”).

   It’s what takes an ordinary day, and sometimes even a dull day, and adds back the zing.

   What’s your Purpose?
   Who’s your Tribe and what role do you want to play in it? 

I would argue that attention to these three tips alone will make or break your 2010.

What are your thoughts?