In the last post, I presented the idea that New Possibilities are more powerful than New Year’s Resolutions. New Possibilities are future-based while resolutions are (more often than not) past-based.
To achieve future-based possibilities as opposed to past-based resolutions or fixes, it is necessary to give up something from one’s past. The process of giving something up creates a clearing or opening for a new possibility to emerge. Without a clearing first occurring, new possibilities are extremely difficult — and most likely a fix will be the best one can hope for. This giving up can also be called letting go. We all seem reluctant to let go of the past. Are you holding on to something from your past so tightly that your future is clouded? What thing(s) from your past are you willing let go of to create a clearing for your own new possibilities?
In the spirit of putting my money where my mouth is, here are my own personal New Possibilities for 2010 and the things that I’m willing to give up to get there!
Steve’s 2010 New Possibilities:
- Refocus. My plan today is different than my plans of a few years ago. Six years ago, I purchased investment properties in Montana with the intention of being a property manager / landlord and relocating to that area sometime in the future (5 to 10 years). Then, after only 3 years, I made the move to Montana much sooner than originally planned. I was hoping I’d figure out a way to sustain my income and keep my dream of building wealth through real estate investing alive. By good luck and several one-time business opportunities, there was little change in my next year income. Two years ago, the reality that I hadn’t yet re-invented my business model became apparent. Simultaneously the real estate market bubble burst and our current economic doldrums began. I acknowledge that my attention and energies have been divided between the plans previously made and the reality of today was being ignored. My focus has been less than laser sharp as I was still attempting to fulfill on the plan of 6 years ago — without admitting to the changes that had occurred. Today, I’m giving up the idea of building my future financial security through real estate.
- Consolidate. Over the past 6 years, I’ve been spread out both physically and professionally. During this time of starting anew in Montana, I made decisions that kept my life scattered and not in one single place. First I was planning to move to the Farmhouse, then, I ended up moving to town. All the while there were attempts to be a property owner/manager while starting a new entrepreneurial venture — I spread myself too thin. In 2010, I will sell the house in town and move to the farmhouse where many of my things have been stored in a barn. After 6 years everything will finally be in one place. Additionally, my business focus will consolidate by liquidating several or all of my rental properties. Someone else will get a great deal on a property and I’ll be free from the distraction of rentals, repairs and tenants. My business focus will be consolidated. I’m an aspiring speaker/author … not a property manger! I’m giving up living in a very nice house in town for a house that’s been a rental and needs lots of elbow grease. I’m giving up being a property manager and landlord.
- Action (or Gumption). With the lack of focus and consolidation in by physical living and professional life, I’ve lacked urgency towards business and life. I had a great break! This lack of focus can be explained by trying to hang on to my original plan while adding new plans and more new plans to that original plan made six years ago. I don’t know about you, but I hate to admit when a plan just isn’t working. With a clearly defined focus towards writing, authoring, & speaking, I am giving up the distraction of property management. I also will give up the idea of luck or wishing or hoping and accept that I alone am 100% responsible for each and every future action.
- Cash Flow. For the better part of the last 2 years, I’ve been self-financing my career shift. Fortunately, I’ve had reserves that permitted this transition period. I’ve enjoyed the rest from my old activities and there has been time to reflect and re-invent. However, the time for reflecting and reinventing has now pulled into the station. And the train isn’t leaving without refueling. Therefore, in 2010, I am committed to transforming from the coffers slowly being emptied to the coffers being refilled — abundantly! This will occur by eliminating the properties with a negative cash flow, moving to a less expensive home, and most-importantly generating income from my speaking and writing business. To achieve this shift in my business, I’m giving up being focused on making money to focusing on providing real value to my clients. I’ve been pursuing this business with my own self-interest first rather than pursuing it with the intention to benefit my clients … Ouch! I’m giving it up … Today!
In the spirit of accountability, I will write a quarterly update on the progress of each of my 4 primary New Possibilities for 2010. Behind the scenes, I’ll be evaluating my progress monthly, weekly and even daily! I’m confident that 2010 will be personally a very good year. I’m committed to refocusing my life and life goals, consolidating my personal stuff and business endeavors, taking all necessary action and completely reversing my cash flow numbers — all heading towards a positive direction!
Do you think 2010 is a good time for you to set a goal for re-focusing, consolidation, taking action, or improving your cash flow?
Next Blog Title: The Power to Create
Next Blog Date: Monday, January 11, 2010