Happy New Year!

I hope that you had a Merry Christmas. I can say that mine was the best ever! We are just returning from time with Family and it brought much enjoyment to the both of us. The prime highlight was experiencing Christmas with my amazing wife. If you are married, I hope you experience the same. If not, you just have something else to look forward to.

As the new year has been approaching I have been clawing a bit to take some time to just be still and reflect on 2007 and find ways to head into 2008 with clarity towards my purpose in business and life. You probably have so many things on your plate in "oh-eight" that you are struggling to prioritize them ... and the year has not started yet. Join the club...

Here is some advice I recently received and it's helping me. Try this over the next few days.

1) Write out your Gratitude List. What are the things you are grateful for that happened in 2007? If you are like me, you can write these down in bullet point words or short sentences. Additionally, pick at least 5 people you are thankful for and write each of them a handwritten note letting them know that they were a highlight of your year in 2007.

2) Create a Gap List = think about your job, family role, spiritual role, life vision (if you have one) and ask yourself where your gaps were? I know I have allowed some gaps to come in between what I wish to do and what I actually did. Think on these things for yourself and make note as to which Gaps you want to close in 2008.

3) Make a random list of all the items on your plate in 2008. Take a look at this list, take a deep breath and do your best to prioritize them. Ask yourself - which of these is going to have the most impact? Which ones are going to take other people to complete? Write down some of those people. Which of these has to be done regardless of your level of excitement towards it? Which are you most energized about? As you think on these things you will be able to get them in a workable order that will allow you to go into the year focused vs fearful.

4) Make an Excitement List =Spend some time with your spouse, significant other, children, family etc and make a small "excitement list" of things you all would like to do together in 2008. Let it be realistic so you can make time for them and look forward to it!

5) Write down at least one Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG - a la Jim Collins) you believe you can hit in 2008 and think on ways to make it happen.

Thanks for reading, subscribing and supporting my blog in 2007. I have enjoyed posting them and look forward to sharing more and growing with you in 2008.

Happy New Year - all the year through! Ryan

Comments

[Dan]

I am so grateful for you and Sara Grace!!!!!