It’s hard to believe it’s 2010.  It’s much easier to say twenty ten than two thousand nine.  I watched 2001, a Space Odyssey when I was nine.  I remember thinking that in the year 2000, we would be traversing the stars in spaceships.  Remember all the Y2K hype?  In 2000, all the computer systems in the world were supposed to crash. Even as I write this post the Mayan volcano is erupting.   This should fan the flames of the 2012, Mayan calendar predictions.  We live in a turbulent interesting time in history and preparation for the future is a good thing but right now I’ll just give a few tips to prepare for a successful 2010.

1. Decide what you want to accomplish in each area of your life. Physical, financial, spiritual, relationships, etc.  What are your specific outcomes?  “I want to loose 3 inches on my waist,  I want to create $50,000 of profits from my new business.”  It’s great to have those goals in mind but even more important to envision how those outcomes will make you feel and effect your life and the lives of others.  What is a compelling WHY for accomplishing these goals?

2. Focus on your prize.  What’s your vision for your future. What is your intent?  What are you passionate about?  What are the rewards for your efforts?  What is your outcome?  Goals are just small milestones along the way. Focusing on the prize and the ultimate outcome is what creates results. Determine what you are passionate about.  What motivates you and what compels your to take consistent action?

3. Specify your most important skill. In other words, what is the most important activity, your strengths that will help you accomplish your goals?  Focus on strengthening an activity that will produce results.  For most of us in business, this involves making contacts and following up. When we expand our networks we gain more customers and prospects.

4. What are your limiting factors? Identify the fears and belief systems that are holding you back and remove those obstacles.  Commit to reading and gathering information that creates a positive growth environment and propels you forward.  Conversely, remove negative non productive things from your life.  Associate with like-minded success minded entrepreneurs.  Take personal responsibility for what you read, watch, hear, and say. Create your own environment for success.

Accept complete responsibility for your life.   It’s not the government’s responsibility.  It’s not your employer’s responsibility either.   If you are self employed, look in the mirror and tell the boss that the buck stops here! Ultimately, we create our own environment for success.   Make it a great year!  Mark