Posted by Natasha Rubin on January 15, 2010 at 2:56am
Out with the old, in with the new is a term you often hear as we leave one year and enter the next. If only it was that easy. The truth is, it takes more than a clock striking twelve, a kiss with a love one or few fireworks to change a current challenging circumstance.Whether you are looking to change a business practice or personal situation, it is going to take a lot of work and much planning accomplish that dream or goal. Is your problem lack of focus? Motivation? Commitment? What are you going to do differently in 2010?I heard a powerful statement from a family member. He said, "Choose to make adjustments in your personal, mental and spiritual disciplines." You have to make a conscious decision to change. Yes, there may have been outside factors in your life that caused you to get off track. BUT you can either continue to waste time dwelling on what was or wasn't or you can make a CHOICE to let it go and move forward.It is up to you. Are you ready to pursue that dream of owning a home? Is starting your own business on the list? What steps do you need to take to make those dreams a reality?Here are a few tips to get you started.Write the VisionThere is a saying in the bible that says without a vision the people perish (Proverbs). Dreams keep you alive. If you have nothing to look forward to, you will just be. I encourage you to get a journal (or dust off the one you already have) and outline what you want to do. Be very specific. If you want to change careers, write what that career will be. If you want to increase your income, write down how much you want it to be.The key to this is that you write what ever it is with authority. Use words like I am going to, or I will make, etc. Writing the vision serves a few purposes. It allows you to see what is in your mind and becomes more real. You can also share it with one or two people that you trust, so they can hold you accountable. But be very selective in choosing who that person will be. Not everyone will believe in your vision.Research, Research, ResearchOne mistake many eager entrepreneurs make is that they do not conduct enough research in the project, career or business they are trying to get into. If you are looking to quit your corporate job and become a home based business, you need to establish a transition plan that includes having a start up budget. What will your home-based business be? What is going to be your niche? Who is doing what you would like to do already and could they be a mentor to you in some way? These are just a few things to consider, but no matter what you are trying to do, be prepared to put in many hours of research. As you establish a foundation, you will see the benefits of this preparation in the long run.Connect with Like-Minded PeopleIt is very very important to surround yourself with people who are looking to succeed and working in their passion. You need to be around people that are positive and excited about their gifts and talents. Friends and family can be great, but they can also be dream destroyers.Join groups that cater to the type of work or idea you are looking to do. If you enjoy event planning, go on Facebook, Linkedin, Yahoo Groups or some other sites that may host groups dedicated to that field. You will gain a tremendous amount of insight as you look to venture out on your own. Ask questions and don't be afraid to join into discussions. You may connect with a future colleague or client!Knowledge is PowerAs you move through the above steps and begin to get a solid idea on what you are doing and where you would like to go with it, keep your knowledge and skills up to date. Sign up for some training course, subscribe to online ezines or blogs that cater to your topic of interest. If paying for a course is not in your present budget-no worries, the internet has a host of free information for you to help keep you in the loop! For example, using a tool like Google Blog Search will give you the most current information for whatever it is you need to know.Following these simple steps are a sure way to help put you on the track of success in this new year.Natasha RubinVirtual Assistant/Social Media Marketing ProfessioanlOwner of Gifted Assistant Management Serviceshttp://www.thegiftedasssistant.netFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/giftedassistantLinkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/natasharubinFollow me:http://www.twitter.com/giftedassistant
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