A Flower that Blooms All Year Long: Promises We Make to Ourselves

As 2008 comes to a close, many of us are planning that fun evening out - in all our finery. But, sure as the day is long, morning will come and we will need to return to our work. If your work involves being an entrepreneur - newly created or established for a time - perhaps you should take an hour, before venturing out into the cold Wednesday night, to outline your plan for 2009.

Often, this task gets pushed aside and we procrastinate accomplishing it because we fear it's too overwhelming. "I'll sit down and do that when I have more time," we tell ourselves. And, because we really have no time, the task sits in the pile of "I'll get to it soon" for weeks.

Instead of pushing this off for a better time, stop what you're doing right now (unless you're driving... hey, if you're driving, how can you be reading this???) and grab a pen and a pad. Yes, a pen and a pad. I do not want you to go to the computer - yet.

First, write the date on your pad, and mark it: Promises to Keep.

Now, write down your most successful experience of 2008. Add one or two sentences about why it was successful. Next, write down the name of your best client. Add one sentence about why she/he is your best client. Now, write down the name of the client who demands the most from  you, but is never satisfied. No explanation necessary, there.

Finish the list with the promises you are willing to make to that best client. Promise yourself that you will fire the "worst" client. And, finally, promise to have more positive experiences in 2009. Remember that ONLY YOU can make and keep the promises to yourself that will move your business forward in 2009.

This is your plan. Your plan is a promise to yourself. It should reflect the things YOU want to do and how you plan to accomplish them. When you make promises to yourself, it's likely you will be careful to include only those you know you can fulfill. Every time you "keep" a promise, reward yourself - with some new bath oil, or a new book, or a single red rose.

If you feel good about what you've done, we'd love to have you share on this blog. Share with us and our readers - because promising to give of yourself is a flower that blooms all year long.

Comments

[Toby]

Yvonne - thanks for the kind complement; and as always, sharing yourself and your great ideas. wishes for a joy filled 2009 with more roses than thorn pricks.