GreyMatterIdeas

Chris Brogan has a project that I’ve duplicated for the last three years or so. It’s 3 words that help guide you towards your goals for the upcoming year. It’s different than resolutions, since those get shattered by about the tenth of the month. Here are my three words…and what they mean.

EFFORT- must be expended in order to succeed- planning isn’t enough. I’m a GREAT planner…but the execution part is where I fail. Similar to ideas (where EVERYBODY has a great one that will make a million dollars for us- all YOU have to do is the work and we’ll split it 50-50.) You have to put in the work, or it just doesn’t happen. EFFORT reminds me that this is the case and that it won’t be easy, but it WILL be worthwhile.

FOCUS- on the prize or the goal. At 41 years old, I can still rock the ADHD with the best of them. A lot of times, that’s the problem. Once the project isn’t shiny anymore, I lose interest and go on to the next project, leaving a trail of half started projects in my wake. I am capable of finishing what I start. My MCSE in 1999 and MCSA in 2005?, as well as three Nanowrimo wins prove that. I have to be able to eliminate distractions. It won’t be easy, but will be necessary if I want to succeed.

GROWTH- in my career (with more certification and adding programming to my skill set) and in my personal life (with writing, music and my health). I started taking some steps last year, by cutting out one brand of soda and replacing it with sweet tea. I also cut down tremendously on the amount of typical fast food that I consume and by getting more sleep. Part of the plan is to lose 2 pounds a month, which is achievable.

This year, I plan to release 2 new CD’s, one technical book and learn to program in 2 platforms (C# and Android). That takes care of the GROWTH. I am also working on practicing my bass more often and working on reading music, which I know the mechanics of, but am not fluent in it at all. My attempt at BBCO proved that. By the time I found the note, then found it on my upright bass, they were halfway through the song. Reading is not necessary to the release of the two CD’s this year, but it will make me a better musician overall, and expose me to new ideas that I can incorporate into my work.

What are YOUR three words? What are your hopes and dreams for the new year? Best of luck to all who try to improve themselves and remember: baby steps. A thousand mile journey begins with one small step. Just take that step…then the next one…then the next one…