As each year begins anew, we typically set goals or make New Year?s resolutions. Last year I wrote about my possibilities for 2010. The concept of (and term) possibilities is appealing because possibilities are future-based, without limits or boundaries. Whereas resolutions tend to be past-based in nature … i.e. fixing what is broken.
Setting goals can be a tricky thing. If we set goals that are too generic we run the risk of potentially limiting ourselves (if set too low) or frustrating ourselves (if set too high). Hence, we frequently end up with broken New Year’s resolutions.
Last year I listed 4 possibilities for myself: refocus; consolidate; action; and cash flow. My last post put in perspective how I did on those 4 possibilities. Overall, I did OK and give myself a B+ grade.
This year I’m listing only one possibility and 8 very specific goals. It’s my belief that by accomplishing the 8 goals … the 1 possibility will become a reality.
If you are planning to make your own list of goals or possibilities for 2011, review my friend Pete’s list that includes the 7 goal-setting mistakes people typically commit when making New Year’s resolutions.
Where are you headed in 2011? Have you made your own list of goals or possibilities?
Here is my list…
Steve’s New Possibility for 2011:
My Personal Breakout Year
2009 was the year of transformation. 2010 was the year of action. 2011 will be the breakout year. What breakout means for me is 3-fold
a. Message
Gumption and personal responsibility will be the dominating, driving force behind all my writings, presentations, consulting and coaching.
b. Client
The client will transform from those simply looking for a fun, unique and memorable meeting experience to those who will really benefit from my specific message of Gumption . Of course, it will still be the most fun, the most unique, and the most memorable meeting you and your company will ever experience!
c. Calendar
By early to mid-year I’ll be challenged to juggle my schedule to fulfill the demands/requests on my time. New methods of prioritization will be required and implemented.
Steve’s Goals for 2011
1. Improve My Presentation
This already started back in October when I attended Doug Stevenson’s Story Theatre workshop. By the end of the 1st quarter I will have re-worked my presentation to include: tighter scripting, better storytelling, and more dramatic (and bigger) stage presence. My presentation, which is currently good, needs to be (and will be) awesome, fantastic, and over-the-top mind-blowing! My presentation will be the single most important sales tool (i.e. referrals) in my marketing toolbox.
2. Social Networking
In 2010 I figured out how social media works. In 2011 I’ll continue to use to exciting new medium to expand my friendships, business connections, and client base. Look for my Gumption and Social Media blog to post this coming Thursday.
3. Fans of Forrest Gump Website
While on the drawing board for the past 2 years, 2011 will be the year the Fans site is launched. It will be an everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know resource about the movie Forrest Gump for both the casual and hard-core fans. A robust forum will provide active discussion about the themes and deeper meanings of the movie.
4, Video Blogs
Many of my previous blog posts could (and will) be turned into video blogs. This has the potential to reach a whole new audience and also be used as an effective follow-up educational tool for those who have participated in one of my presentations.
5. Monthly e-zine
A monthly on-line magazine of my blogs, schedule, video highlights and fun facts will be launched starting in February. It will be more general in content or a summary. It will be intended for those who do not choose to subscribe to my twice weekly blog feeds.
6. Website Update
My current website (version 2.0) was launched in November 2009. It won the Best Website Award 2010 at the Sunburst Convention of Celebrity Tribute Artists. While robust, interactive and highly detailed, an update to version 2.1 will become necessary to include a more specific focus on Gumption, blog highlighting, some minor content updating, as well as some web-based management tools.
7. Additional Associates
As my schedule reaches its limit, I will add additional associates to my already awesome team. My business model will remain a solo-preneur with independent professionals hired for specific services that I either don’t have the expertise, desire, or time to fulfill.
8. The book
In 2010, a publishing partner was identified for my first book. We actually envision a series of books based on Gumption. In 2011, I will finalize all the contracts and complete the majority of the writing process. Publication could come as soon as late 2011 or sometime in early 2012.
I acknowledge that this blog and my last post were a deviation from my typical blog format. They’ve been a bit self-indulgent (i.e. all about me). But by proclaiming my intentions publicly, I feel a deeper commitment to you my loyal readers and ultimately to myself. I feel like I’m on a mission and wanted to share the exciting details in this open manner.
OK, enough retrospective and future thinking for now. The holidays are over. Let’s get back to work! There is a lot to do! I’m very excited about 2011!
Next Blog Title: Gumption and Social Networking
Next Blog Date: January 6, 2011