Clarity of Vision

I overbooked myself this last week. It was quite the challenge and quite the learning experience as well. Last night, as I wrapped up my weekly review and analyzed my plans for the coming week a clear image emerged of where I'd like to focus my energies.

It was obvious that my efforts are much too scattered to produce measurable and tangible results. In other words, I've been lacking focus and haven't been taking advantage of opportunities to multi-task. Which is an odd turn of events considering I wrote and spoke about these valuable time management skills just a couple of years ago. Though not completely surprising considering I am a bit organizationally challenged at times and often neglect to take my own advice.

It's a good thing I'm a member of MomMasterminds or I believe I'd flounder around stuck in that rut for a great deal longer than I have. The mentoring, support and resources there have all worked to provide inspiration and guidance as I muddle along trying to refine my plans and develop S.M.A.R.T goals.

I'm constantly rediscovering and re-tooling my vision and focus for my varied interests. I'm learning that's not altogether a bad thing, though it does slow down my progress at times.

So what does this mean in the greater scheme of things?

Essentially that I'll be able to start streamlining the services available through Easy Results with Radio, meaning that you'll be able to find a wider range of audio marketing resources at more regular intervals than I've been offering thus far. It means that things will be much more coherent and easier to apply over the coming months.

I'm excited and can't wait to get started with the new plan in hand. Considering it's a plan that integrates traditional radio and podcast advertising with a view to meeting the needs of small business, I'm sure it's going to be valuable to many. So, to steal a line from Disney..."Hi Ho, Hi Ho, Off to work I go"

Tangible Goals

I'm not usually one to get caught up with New Year's Resolutions, but maybe that's why 2008 already feels different to me than previous years. I'm excited about the future and I do feel like getting on the bandwagon and making resolutions. Maybe it is because 2007 really was just an all around stinky year in this house. Oh business went well enough and I made some strides and found some clarity and direction. It's the other stuff, the stuff you can't anticipate or plan for, that made 2007 the year I wish I could forget, but know I never will.

I just feel like I'm on the brink of really getting where I want to go. I don't have huge lofty goals - I don't need to make a zillion dollars in a nano-second, and I don't expect to. What I do expect to do is reach my goals in a reasonable amount of time because I know they are based in sound principles.

I feel confident. It's been a while since I remember feeling this way. For the first time in nearly a year, our budget seems stable and manageable once again. That in turn helps me to be more creative in business, because I don't have to expend the energy trying to wring every dollar out to it's last penny and beyond. I'm still keeping an eye on things, don't get me wrong - but knowing that I don't have to worry about juggling too many bills with too little income relieves a lot of stress.

It's so nice to have tangible goals with reasonable deadlines that I believe in - instead of writing down a whole bunch of nice ideas that I know that I'm never going to work towards, let alone achieve.

I am so ready for 2007 to be over and 2008 to start!