<a href="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04265271.jpg"><img style="border-width:0;margin:5px;" src="http://new.corepurpose.com/wp-content/uploads/j04265271_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="j0426527[1]" width="244" height="180" align="right" /></a>Each year in January, I try to plan my calendar to meet with friends in the first two weeks.  I have a diverse group of friends ranging from entrepreneurs to folks from corporate America, from local community volunteers to national leaders, and from neighbors to old school chums.

By reaching out, reconnecting, asking questions, and listening, I get a really good cross section of what is happening and what is on people's minds.  It also gives me a pretty good feel for what to expect in the year to come.

It probably comes as no surprise that, when I did this is January of 2009, there were lots of rumblings of rough weather ahead.  People where battening down the hatches and preparing to hold on to investments, jobs, and businesses by sheer will.  Folks that I talked to did not know what to expect - but one thing was pretty consistent... they we not expecting it to be good.

Yet, this year, there is a different feeling in the conversations.  I don't know  what it is  - the stars in alignment, something in the water, or just the impact of moving into a new decade, but once again a message is emerging from all of these conversations - a common statement and theme that  I am hearing from others...
<blockquote><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#545454;">2010 will be MY year!</span></blockquote>
The first time I heard it expressed by a friend with such confidence that I felt it too, I thought - 'Wow, good for you.'  Then I heard it again - this time by a business owner - "This will be OUR year".  And then again from an entrepreneur, then a scientist, then a developer, then a non profit leader, and so on.  The words were slightly different each time, but the theme kept repeating over and over again.  2010 was going to be the year when they made a break through, grew their business, did something new, made a difference.

<strong>So, will 2010 be YOUR year?</strong> 

We all have the chance to make 2010 our year.  Here are a few things you might want to put to work for you.

1.  <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Write down your goals and put them somewhere where you see them every day.</span>  A series of small goals that build on one another are better that one great big one.  That way, as you achieve each small goal or milestone, the sense of accomplishment gives you more incentive and energy to tackle the next one.

2.  <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Gather Great People Around You.</span>  Whether you call them a team, a posse, a workgroup or just friends, surround yourself  with people who share your values AND your goals. By working together - things happen faster.  The shared experiences of your team can also help you avoid pitfalls and mistakes that might shift you off course.

3.  <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Focus in on the things that will make the biggest impact</span>.  It is too easy to be distracted by little things that can keep you from doing the important ones.  Take the time to understand how you are most productive and then work with others to delegate or off load non core activities.  Paying someone else to do the time consuming nuisance projects can save BIG money in the long run or free you up for more impactful or productive activities.

4. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">Use Processes and Systems to Your Advantage</span>.  The best businesses, projects, and ideas are those you can replicate over and over again.  Figure out what works best, get it down on paper and integrate it into HOW you get things done.  By creating repeatable systems or processes, you save time, save money and often by analyzing the system - continue to improve it.

<strong>Never forget that "2010 will be MY year".</strong> 

Stay positive and positive things happen.  Don't let anyone tell you differently. 

Make 2010 your year.

Thanks for stopping by.  Stay Tuned.
<blockquote><span style="font-family:Verdana;color:#545454;">Joan Koerber-Walker</span></blockquote>
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