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Motivational Monday: A New Year brings a New Chance to Be Remarkable!

Every year at this time, I get giddy at the opportunities that lie ahead. Seriously, I get silly with the amount of potential in front of me at this time of year.

I don't know if it's because of the downtime and rest during the holidays that gives me an opportunity to reflect. Or if it's analyzing my financial reports for the year. Or if it's just sitting back and taking time to be thankful that makes me really appreciate my lifestyle, my business, my friends, and all that is yet to come.

Even when we were broker than broke, I still looked forward with anticipation, because I never accepted the option of NOT having a successful business. It just wasn't even a consideration. If you haven't noticed, I'm stubborn to a fault, and so I was either going to make money online or make money online! Those were the only two options available. lol.

To me, the goal of having a successful online business is similar to my life goals:

– Have aย  happy marriage full of laughter and respect.

– Raise children who are full of laughter and respect.

I do not plan to give up on those goals, even when it gets tough. (And, sometimes it gets tough. Two words: Sibling Rivalry – Lord Help me!) But, I don't wake up and say “You know, maybe this parenting thing isn't for me. I think it's too hard. I'm outta here.”

Of course not. I wake up every day and think “This is what I'm going to do. My BEST. Whether today is hard or whether it's easy, I'm going to do my best and I'm going to be thankful the whole time.”

It's the same with my business. Some days really pretty much suck. Other days are amazing!

And, no matter what – I look forward to the next with anticipation.

So, as I look forward to the new year with giddy anticipation, like a child on Christmas morning…

At the same time, I see the people that I care about beating themselves up like crazy. It's almost as if you can see the looks of defeat on their faces and the big black eyes from punishing themselves so brutally for all of their missed resolutions and goals from the previous year.

I challenge you to make a list of EVERYTHING that you DID achieve this past year.

  • Personal
  • Family
  • Relationships
  • Business learning
  • Business application
  • Health

I was going to get into this further and write a big post about making a list of all of the positive things you've accomplished this year, but my dear friend, Bob Jenkins, beat me to it, so instead, I'll share his post with you:

My list of things that I did NOT achieve this year is huge.

For instance, due to some medication that I'm on I certainly did not meet my weight goals. (Yes, I'm working my way off this medication, but withdrawal is horrendous so please send me lots of good thoughts.) Hopefully I can get that sorted out soon, while I still fit in this swivel chair. ๐Ÿ™‚

Actually my list of things that I did not accomplish is pretty colossal, BUT you know what? My list of things that I did accomplish is pretty darned impressive, too. I'm proud of me. And, I am EXCITED about the opportunity that lies ahead.

I'm excited for YOU, too. And, I want you to take a moment to be proud of yourself, too.

Just soak in the applause for a minute and relax. ๐Ÿ™‚

I also really enjoyed Paul Lemberg's blog post about Strategic Planning for the New Year.

My favorites of his resolutions are:

“โ€ฆkeep not only my promises to others (easy), but to keep my promises to myself (harder). I also resolve to come clean when I break my promises, and make amends when necessary (hardest).

โ€ฆmake this year a masterpiece.

โ€ฆhave a blast doing it.”

You can read the rest of his post here:

And, now for my resolutions…

On the business front:

  1. My main goal for my business is to continue to make sure that my financial goals and my lifestyle goals are in sync. This means that every business decision must pass my “Is this moving me closer to the lifestyle of my dreams or trapping me into more work?”
  2. To continue to assess Pareto's Principle and use that to become more productive.
  3. To help other marketers and online business owners to become more productive, more profitable, and to work toward their own financial and lifestyle goals, as well.
  4. To help my business partners and my helpers to achieve their goals.
  5. To attend marketing events. (Already have two on my calendar: NAMS & Bob Jenkins' SIMPLE Live.)
  6. To continue to provide quality and remain a trusted source of information and a person of integrity.

On the personal front:

  1. To continue to exercise and eat well.
  2. To do everything in my power to make sure my family is happy and healthy.
  3. To travel with my family. (Cruise planned in January. Summer plans are underway.)

Those goals have caused me to make some pretty big changes in my business that I'll be announcing soon.

I've got one more blog post that I'd like to mention. If you need some inspiration, I'd like to share my good friend, Lynn Terry‘s post:

Especially be sure to read the comments. ๐Ÿ™‚

Whether 2009 was a huge success or a sequence of tiny successes, I am proud of you.

You are taking a chance.

You are doing what so many others are afraid to do.

You are REMARKABLE!

Aww… heck. How about one more round of applause for all of us DOers out there!

Warmly,
Nicole Dean

PS. Please leave a comment about your goals, your feelings about 2009 & 2010 and the blog posts that I've mentioned. I'd love to read them.

I appreciate shares and I adore comments! Please share your thoughts.

  • Lexi Rodrigo
    Reply

    Your enthusiasm must be rubbing off, Nik, because I’m super excited about 2010 too!

    2009 was a big year for me, when I did a lot of things that were very scary – and have lived to tell the tale. This has given me the confidence to try even bolder things in 2010. Maybe that will be my motto for the new year: Be Bold in 2010!

    I’m very grateful that you’re part of my life, Nik. I’ve learned so much from you, not the least of which is to always laugh and live the life you love.

    Thank you so much, Nik!

  • Jackie
    Reply

    The new year is my favorite time of year. I too get giddy with the possibilities.

    This year has been a good one. I’ve taken my business to a totally new level. I’ve jumped into projects with both feet and landed on solid ground. I’ve managed to get my mind around the concept of helping others get what they want will get me everything I want.

    I’ve had my tough times too ~ all of which I learned from and was able to move forward from in a positive way.

    I am looking forward to helping people succeed in internet marketing next year. Creating tools that will help people succeed, and in helping others succeed moving myself to another level.

    I also want to “work” on being more flexible with myself and my family. ๐Ÿ™‚

    It’s gonna be a GREAT year, I can just feel it!!

    Thanks for asking Nicole. I look forward to reading more from you in the up and coming year!

    Jackie

  • The Mom
    Reply

    It’s sometimes difficult to feel Remarkable as you get older… not impossible, but it just takes so much more effort. I think because we get set in our ways or we get cynical because “I’ve tried that already and it didn’t work.”

    But that’s why especially as you get older you need to gather positive people around you and keep them close. Positive people boost you up!

    That’s why I’ve hooked my wagon to your star! I know it can’t be easy trying to drag your mother into the age of technology, but you always keep a positive attitude so I know everything will work out in the end. ๐Ÿ˜€

    Even though my website has gone through a painfully slow transformation as we try to get it up and running, you and Joe have just shrugged and patted me on the hand and said, “don’t worry… you’ll get there.” When I’m sure you’re thinking, “oh boy… here we go again.”

    Looking at 2010, I’ve already got high hopes. Nobody can tell this little ant that she can’t! I must take after my daughter! Ha!

    Love you and your optimism! And hey, about that nasty medication… you’re doing the right thing. I’m glad you’re taking steps to take care of your health in a more positive manner, just like you take care of your business.

    btw… thanks for the applauses! ๐Ÿ˜€

    • Nicole
      Reply

      Love this “Positive people boost you up!”

      Without my peeps, I’d still be spinning my wheels and beating myself up about it.

      Definitely – you’ve gotta have those people in your life who will hug you when you need it and kick your butt when you need it, too.

  • Tricia
    Reply

    I have to say that this year I am super excited about what I have going on and what I want to go on. I have many goals… Did not do resolutions but did goals…

    And you have helped motivate me to get that ball rolling.

  • Mary Lutz
    Reply

    I am in the process of setting my goals for 2010. I have some ideas, some grand and some smaller. I’ve been doing some business coaching with Kelly McCausey and it’s really helped me to direct my business where I want it to go this year

    I am so looking forward to NAMS! I think it will be the boost in my business I’ve been looking for. Plus, I’ll get to meet you ๐Ÿ™‚ (hopefully).

    Thanks for the motivation and applause Nicole. Looking forward to more in 2010!

  • Valerie
    Reply

    I’m not into resolutions this time of year, most are forgotten by February anyway, like that gym membership everyone goes out and buys and the only time they think about it is when they pay the monthly bill. I made some goals, they’re on my blog if anyone is interested, and then on our family garden blog I added one to those (rocksinmygarden @ blogspot). Basically I want to work towards harmonizing my family, which includes homeschooling, and work life, incorporating routines along the way. The added goal to the family garden blog-work smarter not harder.

    By making goals I figure I am taking Michael Jordan’s attitude in basket ball and applying it to my life. If I shoot and miss, at least I took the shot. If I make it, hey that’s awesome. If I make a 3 pointer, that’s even better. There’s an old saying that goes like this “If you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll land among the stars”. I am still using Nike’s old “Just Do It” saying when things get tough, like kids are whiny or I just don’t “feel” like it, believe it or not that still works for me. I am also learning that like Mike (I’m old enough to have kids that used to sing “I wanna be like Mike”) I sometimes have to pass the ball, we are a team, and team work makes the dream work. We all win when we work together no matter what the score board says.

    Here’s to a great team effort in 2010!!!

  • Sharon McMillan
    Reply

    Boy I could have used this yesterday when my motivation took a nosedive into the dumpster and I fell behind plan. I think I needed to acknowledge that I was aching for a complete break.

    Looking back on 2009 I am happy with decisions I made in my business. I had my first affiliate sale in 2009 and I’m very excited about the projects I’ve launched for 2010.

    You’re an awesome entrepreneur and motivational coach Nicole and I’m so glad to know you and to count you as a friend.

    • Nicole
      Reply

      Thanks Sharon. YOU are a brilliant lady, so don’t let that motivation poop out on you, ok? And, be sure to take time to rest and enjoy your days.

  • Peggy Baron
    Reply

    Thanks for your positive attitude, Nicole, it’s infectous. ๐Ÿ™‚ I so enjoy reading your posts.

    The time I’ve spent away from the computer the last few days has renewed my enthusiasm as it always does. I am super excited for 2010, and even though I didn’t accomplish everything I wanted in 2009, I made HUGE strides.

    I am giving myself permission to spread my wings wider and soar higher in 2010.

    Peggy Baron

    • Nicole
      Reply

      Remind yourself of what you said any time you get down:

      “In 2009, I made HUGE strides.”

      That’s all a marathon is. One step at a time. Go girlfriend!

  • Carico
    Reply

    It really is a great time of the year b/c you feel like there are so many things possible in the upcoming year. I have accomplished a lot this past year and I am excited about 2010. Happy New Year and best of luck to you and your family in the coming year!

  • Mary
    Reply

    I have been working on my goals and where I want my business to go for the past couple of weeks. I have to say that I didn’t have goals in place for 2009 and I didn’t really have a plan. You know what they say, “Fail to plan, plan to fail”. Fortunately I didn’t fail, but I don’t think I reached my full potential either.

    Now I am armed with a plan and goals and really feel in my heart and soul that 2010 is going to be my year to grow exponentially. It has to be, it’s been a part of my name since 2004. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Nicole
      Reply

      I love that you’ve tied your drive to be healthy and gluten-free with your business.

      I remember sitting at the NAMS Conference in Atlanta with you and you were talking about your business and it was nice, but then we started talking about Celiac’s and your eyes just BRIGHTENED up and you were on fire! That plus a little research into the niche, and I knew you’d be just fine once you headed in that direction and moved away from the other niches.

      You have the potential to help a lot of people. Remember that. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Stephanie
    Reply

    Hi Nicole! I have always looked forward to the ‘New Year’. Its such a great feeling to start fresh, in business life and personal life.

    I look forward to working with more successful business owners this year, not just online but offline as well.

    Thank you for being “real” with your readers! I really appreciate that ๐Ÿ™‚

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