Whatever you hope to achieve during the next twelve months – – working from home, consulting, traveling
overseas, spending more time with family, mastering social media, becoming an entrepreneur, opening a small business, etc; seriously, I have no doubt that 2009 is going to be YOUR year.
I am not big on resolutions, but with the New Year upon us the internet seems to be oozing optimism like gobs of jelly out the sides of a peanut butter and jam sandwich, which I think in this economy is amazing (in a good way).
Instead of doing a “personal goals” post for the coming year where I list out all of the things that I hope to accomplish in 2009, I thought it more prudent to focus on you and your goals.
Not that I think you need my help, it’s just that my one and only key word for the year is:
“HELPFUL” (Wherein I try to be, well, helpful.)
Really, I could give you the following piece of simple advice, “Whatever you want to do find a way” and stop there.
But that’s just trite BS and it won’t help you in the least.
A Little Story
You see, when I knew that I wanted to be my own boss I never really thought about the realities of marketing, bookkeeping, or waiting on people seven days a week for ten to fifteen hours a day.
I mean, I imagined it, but until it became MY reality I never really knew what it would all be like. The primary goal (and my total focus) was simply to be self-employed and I assumed the finer details would work themselves out…not the best strategy, I know.
What the heck does this have to do with you and your goals?
When we were trying to purchase our business the word “NO” really had no meaning for my wife and I. Although it was said to us often in Spanish and English that we should pursue other alternatives, or perhaps give up, we were having none of it. Someone would knock us down and we would always go back for more.
Do you want to know why?
Because we were “hungry,” “desperate,” and sick of working for uninspired visionless assholes.
How else can I possibly explain the fact that we were turned down for financing for over a year and half by ten different banks? Every single time we got a phone message or email denying us the requisite funds, we continued to persevere and sustain our forward progression because we NEVER imagined that we would NOT be our own bosses.
You Can Do It
Times are tough! Whatever your business or career, chances are it took a downturn in 2008. Nevertheless, there has never been a better time to pursue your goals, resolutions, and dreams because you have nothing to lose.
Whether you want to be an author, public speaker, attorney, or marketing professional, get out there, work hard and GO GET IT! And block out the naysayers and jerks, they’re just trying their best to keep you down.
Helpful Part
As we look forward to the rest 2009, please continue to pursue your vision and challenging the status quo. If I can assist you with something, do not hesitate to email me or get in touch. You can do it!!
(Two items of note: if you are looking to simplify your life in 2009, my friend (and Train for Humanity co-founder) Leo Babauta just released his book, “The Power of Less.” Also, Colleen Wainwright (a.k.a. the Communicatrix) is launching a new project Virgo Guide to Marketing and you should hire her because if not, your competition will.)
image source: To Tof
I just have to say “amen”, Mark. A very inspiring piece of writing, becuase it is true.
We can do it. We already have everything we need to do it, inside of us.
Well said, Mark. I know it sounds like a tagline (because it is!), but “Just do it!”
Thanks for this Mark! Fantastic!
I spent quite some time thinking about the coming year today, reading this post, watching Jonathan Fields talk in his first Career Renegade Flight School video, and brainstorming and writing down ideas on what I want to do in my life.
And, inspired by this post, I decided to think up a keyword for the year:
MEANINGFUL
…as in do things that are meaningful. Stop chasing after money but instead try to make changes that make my work, and all my actions more meaningful and lasting. It’s going to be challenging, but with the help of this awesome community we have in this corner of the Internet, I think there is a big chance that this might actually be our year. :)
Thanks for inspiring, Mark!!
Your perseverance and attitude are inspiring, Mark! Keep at it and, no doubt, you’ll find a great year this year. And I’ll do the same!!
Great article! Thanks for sharing. I am planning to open my own business after I finish grad school in a few years. Right now I work in a corp. environment and am learning a lot, but was recently disillusioned about staying there for the long term. Thanks for sharing your experience! Good Luck!
Thank you for such an inspiring post and for sharing your story! Successful people know that persistence and perseverance are the key ingredients to achieving your goals and realizing your dreams. Attitude is everything… you have absolutely the right one. And thanks too for the link to my post ;)
Thanks for reminding me that persistence and positive attitude are those magic elements! And you are absolutely right, this year is different, I can feel it in the air, something I have never felt before. :)
Great inspirational thoughts, Mark.
I always look on the brighter side of things no matter what life has thrown at me and I know that having that type of attitude and not giving in to those naysayers, is what’s going to help take me to that next level and where I want to be and the goals I want to achieve.
Here’s to a great 2009!