December 18, 2007
What Will You ABSOLUTELY Do Differently in 2008?: Tough Question Tuesday
Posted by Alice Seba
As 2007 rolls to a close, it’s high-time to start planning for 2008. My tough question for you is: “What will you ABSOLUTELY do differently in 2008?”
For me: There will be a lot more financial analysis and planning in everything I do. I am not a mathematical person and I’m actually intimidated by numbers. I also don’t schedule a whole lot of time for analyzing my finances (always giving myself the excuse that “I don’t have time.”). THAT is definitely going to be added to the schedule so I can plan my products and promotions better, plus do more with my money.
Your turn…
Free Marketing Course
Taking a queue from Stacy Kamala Waltman, I’ve decided that next year I am going to focus only on what brings me joy. I think if I follow that one to the best of my ability, everything else will fall into place. (And yes, I do work for a living
btw, Ms. Seba, your blog is on my short list of “read everyday”.
Thanks Tony…no need to be so formal. “Alice” is good.
I agree with you on the focus on what brings you joy. I’ve been perfecting that for a couple of years now. Not only does it make you happier, but really helps the profit margin too.
I’m going to stop focusing on short term fixes and start working on following a long term plan. I have gotten too focused on immediate income and I need to build a foundation for long term success.
After almost a year and a half since moving, I am finally going to get my office unpacked and organized so I don’t waste so much time trying to find things! I am also going to be better at backing up my computer and organizing my files! An organized work space will feel so GREAT!
Probably the first thing I’m going to focus on is slowing down and quit putting so much on my plate.
The second thing I plan on doing is actually USING and taking ACTION on the ebooks and wonderful information I’ve downloaded over the past year.
Here’s to a great 2008!!!
I like what Tony said about pursuing joy, and I too want to allow for more plain old enjoyment and adventure in my life. It’s very easy to just sit here at the computer all day, and forget to interact in the world of fun. Also…I want to value what I do a lot more in 2008. I have a tendency to devalue myself since I work at home and don’t earn as much as my spouse. It’s hard to take my own work seriously, so how can I expect others to?
Hi Alice,
As you said, nothing comes with out hard work. I would love to be flooded today with business, but what did I do to gain it? Nada. So, with that said, I will focus on spending more time on my businesses.
On a personal note, I am a homeschooling Mom of 3 and my focus for the coming year will be creating a good balance of work and family.
Thanks for the question. Happy Tuesday.
Benay
I’ll admit it… over the years, I’ve put some of my dreams and goals on the back burner, in order to help others’ close to me accomplish things they wanted. I’ve actually accomplished quite a bit this year for myself, and conquered a few fears. I am going to take it even further in 2008 and really focus on doing things that will help me reach my goals
Offer more product, allow myself to work at my own pace, and not be in a rush to get things done because others think I should. Balance and prioritize more. Because as much as I want my business to succeed my family is first!
I love the way you phrased the question, Alice!
I am ABSOLUTELY going to spend more time with my kids and husband in the coming year! ABSOLUTELY!
Thanks for this, Alice!
One thing I’ll definitely do differently in 2008 is listening to my gut when it comes to the tension between making quotas of B2B contacts vs having quality, respectful communication with fewer contacts. It’s my name on the communiqué - I want people to remember my name for the right reasons!!
Thanks for asking, and a healthy, safe, joyful and prosperous 2008 to you and all your readers!
Hi Alice,
I plan on getting more instead of being glued to my computer :-). I have quite a few online friends and need to find more drinking buddies:-) for a girls night out.
I would like to get my time management running a little smoother, so I can spend more time with family.
I actually can’t wait until the summer of 2008 because then I can get on a steady schedule and what I absolutely will do differently this year is TURN OFF the computer when I’m not working so I’m not tempted to go check an email here, or work on something quick there (which it never is) when I’m supposed to be spending quality time with my son.
Right now I just don’t have enough free time to get my work done properly because my son is only in school every second day. By the summer I’ll have my mom to babysit him during the days (maybe 4 days a week if I can swing it) and then when he’s back to school it will be full time. When he’s home the computer is going off..
Thanks for the post, Alice.
I am going to complete writing my first e-book. Commit to the promotion of my weight loss coaching business so I can help even more people overcome their weight loss issues. This brings me pure joy…and we can (obviously) all live with more of that in 2008!
I love that we get to reflect on the year gone by and look ahead with hope to the new year!
We just published our first two ebooks this past month … after four years of wishful thinking … and I’m definitely fired up to work on more ideas.
I am absolutely going to persevere and not give up!
Get out of my head Alice, LOL!
Two things:
1. Being thankful at all times because thanksgiving restores what is missing.
2. Having patience in faith. It’s one thing to say I have faith, it’s another to be patient [and not anxious] during the process of manifestation.
Less procrastination!
STOP guessing. No more playing ‘intelligent’ hunches. It’s too iffy!
STAY focused - at least until completion and profitability. No, I won’t do ‘one at a time’ - not my style. But at least not 20 at the same time.
Interesting, thought-provoking question
All success
Dr.Mani
Blogging for Influence & Attention
Great comments and I applaud the many for saying they’re going to get away from the computer more. That was also one of my “do differentlies” - and it was surprisingly easier than I thought. The more compartmentalized your work time is, the more productive you are.
Stephanie Trahd - That’s a really good insight and I’m sure there are plenty of others who tend to look at the short-term. Sometimes when I’m tempted into doing something short-term, I always think about how I can make it something long-term. For example, if it includes content - how can I reuse that content? If it’s a one-time payment, how can I turn it into a recurring model?
Juls - I kind of did the opposite. Before we moved in the Summer, I kind of got pushed out of my office because we were running out of space…so everything was in boxes. One of the first things I did at the new home was get my office all set up and organized.
connectingwahms - Good for you. If you’re in that learning and not doing trap, it’s easy to pile on all those great ideas onto your plate. Refocus and do just a couple things really well…you’ll do awesome!
JillyFlorio: Very good insights…if you keep thinking that, you’re half way through your obstacle.
Benay: Do you work in a service-based business? That’s one of the tricky things. You have to make sure the clients will keep coming and not take the busy times for granted. Have you got help in your business so that you can focus on building clientele?
Crissy: That’s awesome and congrats on putting some of your needs first!
Karen: Those are great goals and focus and dedicating yourself to successful projects is a great way to get there.
Lisa: Yea! You and your kids will love it.
SBT: I totally agree with you. It’s quality, not quantity. And what’s really great is that when you have the quality, more quantity comes through referrals. No need to work so hard at it.
Stacy: Cheers! You can do it.
Angela: Does he do full days every second day? If so, I’d really plan those days to the very last detail…so you can make the most of them. Kindergarden is a tough year to get that balance, but you can do it. For us, it was 2 1/2 hours every day, but take out walking time, I had less than 2 hours to work each day. But somehow, I made it through!
Fat Loss Coach: It’s great that you found something you love to do…now get that ebook out there. It’s needed!
yesyoucanpublications: Congrats on the 2 new products! Make sure to schedule plenty of time and some cash for marketing. I know you can do it.
Regina: Sorry, it’s such a brilliant head, I couldn’t resist.
I love what you said…those things will have a tremendous impact on your business and life.
Stefani: You go, girl!
Dr. Mani: If I understand exactly what you mean about “guessing”, I think I see you do that a lot - but you seem to do it out of the need for discovery and so you can share those discoveries with others. I can certainly admire that, but it can drain your time. Perhaps, to pursue those kinds of things you could have some help on your side to conduct all the various tasks involved.
Focus is good - and yeah, I’m not a “one at a time” person either, but limiting it and seeing things through is priceless.
I am going to do more to build my online businesses, both my design store and my regular business. In lest than 120 days my job will end (good thing) and I want to make enough money from home to replace it.
In addition, spend more time with family and friends, too many people I know and love died and were in car accidents this year.
Hi Alice. I plan on focusing my energies more towards a single goal as opposed to constantly having my efforts run in 100 directions. I also plan to sit down and really look at what is and isn’t working for me. Cut what isn’t and focus on what is.
I will get help for my business. It’s no longer possible to do everything all by myself. I’m exhausted!
Hi Alice,
FOCUS is my mantra for 2008. I’ve put together 2 videos and a workbook on how to buid and market your website for under $100 and I’m focusing on who my target clientele is and trying to stay away from the marketing buffet table. I need to focus balancing my work and my life and welcoming (and recognizing) Joy when it arises in my life. Thanks so much for asking this question!
Sarah at Got Clicks?
2008 will be a year of transition for me. I’ll be leaving my “day job” and will be able to spend all my time on my “real job.” Hurray!
2008 I hope to start my business online and spend more time with my love one,HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVEYONE
I’d choose a professional web designer even though I really couldn’t afford one. I’d have my site up months earlier and wouldn’t have to “teach” her how a commercial site should look.
Hi and great question Alice
I plan to follow my wife`s advice. FOCUS on one project at a time.When it is complete I can then move to the next shiny new thing.
Continued success to you in the coming year.
Ken Chandler
I definitely need to create a more structured business plan and schedule. This includes letting go and outsourcing some projects.
Mindy
http://www.MindyRecommends.com
I need to focus and do excercise, even though I find it boring and I don’t feel like excercising, I have to find a way or find something that will bring me to excercise!!!
awrjeygtHappy Day After Christmas!
I was interested enough in Tony’s comments to plug into Stacy Kamala’s blog and really enjoyed reading what she had to say about her dream, letting go of things and the portal. This does fit in nicely with New Year resolutions and unloading. I went to the Goodwill store a couple of days before Christmas and I felt so light hearted after sending unused by me, but taking up space~ goods, clothing, and electronics to others who will enjoy them. Actually since reading Kamala’s blog I seemingly keep running into visuals or written texts about doors and portals. Hopefully the new year will open portals of peace worldwide.
I would have to say that for 2008 I am only going to focus on what makes money! I spent 2007 researching and buying every possible guru cd/home study/newsletter, etc. that I could find and did not take the time to actually read and APPLY the information. This year has to be different. 2008 needs to be MY year! Wish me luck!
You guys are awesome and a big source of inspiration for everyone. These are GREAT ideas that a lot of people could probably do differently in 2008. Thank you!
The theme for 2008 is “no more putting up with”! There are a lot of things that I’ve just been letting go or not dealing with which just become a source of frustration and stress. This coming year I’m going to clear out a lot of things and even some people from my life.
Have a great New Year, Alice!
2008 … how time flies. My focus is still on changing the world one childbirth at a time. At 64 years of age, my family is grown and I can dedicate my time to the passion-message of The Pink Kit Method For Birthing Better® … which is all about how-to. This doesn’t mean birthing on your own. It means knowing that pregnancy and childbirth is related through skills as well as choice. I’m also able to return to some person how-to passions such as long distance biking and bird watching.
Good cheer to everyone for this exciting New Year
Wintergreen
http://www.birthingbetter.com
2008 … how time flies. My focus is still on changing the world one childbirth at a time. At 64 years of age, my family is grown and I can dedicate my time to the passion-message of The Pink Kit Method For Birthing Better® … which is all about how-to. This doesn’t mean birthing on your own. It means knowing that pregnancy and childbirth are related through skills as well as choice. I’m also able to return to some personal how-to passions such as long distance biking and bird watching.
Good cheer to everyone for this exciting New Year
Wintergreen
http://www.birthingbetter.com
I’m going to take charge of my week in a more productive way by pre-planning ‘blocks’ of time for writing, exercise, revenue-producing activities, and those high-priority things. The ‘blocks’ may move around as necessary, but they’ll get done first — unlike some of 2007!
Becki
I really like that idea, Becki - of ‘blocks’ of time. And their movability factor. It is hard to have a schedule nailed down with every day bringing different things happening, you know? I’m going to focus on that blocks thing. I like that - it reminds me of a jigsaw puzzle I have, made up of ‘blox’. Thanks for the great idea!
I’m going to take my own advice in 08! My little “sweetie” (pun intended!) turned six yesterday. I realize how quickly she’s growing up and I need to use my social network to achieve my business goals AND get more balance in my life. I tell others how to use network ties to do both things, but I sometimes forget to “practice what I preach!”
In 2008 I am going to schedule blocks of time on my calendar to work on the goals I have set for myself.
AND I am going to quit taking on so many new projects. I am going to FOCUS on 3 important goals for the year.
Becki, the blocks of time idea really works. We’re at home and have so much going on in a day that we have the flexibility to make work for us so we can get everything done. Blocks of time help ensure everything does get done.
Loaded question and one that I have been focused on for a few weeks now. Funny you asked!
I am like Regina in the patience and faith area. I believe but I want it all now. So I am going to focus on my patience being sustained through my faith.
I am also going to step skipping the steps and follow the process. I guess that comes from a lack of patience.
My motto for 2008 is “removing the unnecessary weight in 2008″. For me that is not only in a physical sense but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well.
Hello Alice,
Happy Holiday’s to you and your family. As I ponder your question. I don’t have to hesitate for an answer. For the year 2008, I will write down my activities for the week, with a daily planner (a must), I will cut down on my procrastination, I will keep my word when I promise to do an activity, I will have an additional daily planner for my fitness routines, I will get my fitness certification this year, lastly, I will make enough money to change my life for the better, which will include, buying a nice house. Thank you for being here to help us all with our online businesses.
Hello!
This is a tough question. There are many things I have on my MUST DO list for 2008 but the one thing I will ABSOLUTELY do is recruit a leadership team for a new nonprofit I am starting called The Literacy ‘n’ Poverty Project. We are in the start-up stage now and in order to succeed we need leadership with the right talents, motivation and passion to take this project to the next level. I enjoy reading your emails and visiting the site; please keep it up :).
Much luck and success to you in 2008. Happy New Year!
Regards,
Chanelle
Great question Alice.
Apart from my business goals (too many to list) I am going to get more exercise. I have spent too long sitting in front of the computer working on my businesses and in the mean time my back muscles are getting tired, my shoulder muscles getting stiff and generally loosing time in the black hole that times falls into when you are on the computer. I’m going to swim twice a week to start with and build it to doing something at least daily, or every two days. The more you exercise the better your body feels, the better your spirit and concentration are and the more you can develop your projects successfully instead of with perpetual fatigue.
May you all have a healthy 2008.
Amy
My main aim for the Q1 of 2008 is to efficiently manage the constant flood of email that consumes much of my working day.