Looking Ahead

As promised, here is a little peek into my mind and plans for 2008.

I just spent the last half hour writing out some of my business plans for the Magazine and the Web businesses. I’ve decided to withhold that information for now simply to protect my business interests. I have some great ideas and I don’t need them turning up elsewhere before I get a chance to make a go of it.

I read my pre 2007 journal and I am so very surprised at the changes I have subject myself to this year. Last year at this time, I had no idea I would be a magazine publisher. There are many things different this year from the last; the people I trust are different; the tools I use are different; the dreams and plans are much different in so many ways. Though there are so many differences, there are many things that remain unchanged. My personal commitment to do the right thing, keep my integrity and to serve others above myself remains intact and that brings me comfort.

I anticipate many changes this year. Carrie and I [still] want to sell our house and I [still] want to get a more professional office. Funny though, the office I envisioned last year is in the same place, though the business conducted will be vastly different than I had envisioned just 12 months ago.

I intend to be more aggressive this year. No more Mr. Nice guy? Well, I’ve learned a good deal observing other businesses as well as how public relations and politicians achieve their objectives. It seems that if I want to “win,” I must be willing to man up and say what I need to say. In the past I have not said things or done things simply because it might hurt some feelings or because I didn’t want to be selfish. Those days are over! I must do what needs to be done to build my companies even if I have to be more “in your face” or more aggressive.

I will also be making the decision to (or not to) run for public office this year. That’s an entirely different post and probably for an entirely different website. (grin)

My desire to get back into shape remains and I will be about the doing of it this year. I did it before and I will do it in 2008. I will journal my progress though I may not publish the pictures and all until I am in better shape. I’m quite disappointed in how far I’ve let myself go in the name of building a business or being too busy. My routine will be simple to start with and progress as it did last time. My goal is to lose some weight at first, but then to gain it back as muscle.

There is another desire for 2008. Carrie and I have talked about it many times and we are going to start getting out more. We are going to attend more events that are listed in our magazine; we are going to meet more people; I’m even thinking about joining the masons to expand my personal network of people I can trust. There is likely to be an “image improvement” this year as I have a desire to change my dress and appearance.

As you can see, I have many things I want to do this year. Many things I want to change and accomplish. In hindsight, I didn’t list most of the changes that took place in ’07, yet I am completely transformed from this time last year. I can’t say that I will achieve all of these goals, but I do think it is useful for a man to look at what he wants to change once in a while. A great feeling of accomplishment can come from reaching lofty goals. I believe that setting your personal expectations a little higher and accomplishing them is much more satisfying than not expecting so much... and reaching it. I want to be a stronger man, a smarter man, a man who has fun and enjoys life and a man who can look back and know that he has achieved his goals with honor and integrity. So far so good... why stop now?

May all who find this have a wonderful 2008. Remember the past, look to the future and set your sights on a goal you don’t think you can reach; when you reach it, you’ll know you’ve done something great.