A new year is a coming and I'm ready for it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A new year is a coming and I'm ready for it! I've been posting regular updates on my personal website more than here because of the changes I intend to make to the blog engine I use. I was checking my statistics and can see that this site is still visited regularly and the feed well consumed. Well isn't that special?

I have enjoyed many victories in 2007 and though there were some challenges as well, perhaps some that could be defined as defeats; I turned those challenges into victories as well. I built a brand new business and am on the threshold of many new and exciting ventures. I am proud of my accomplishments in 2007 even though these accomplishments simply set the stage for 2008 and the great things to come.

I posted a longer verion of this on my personal website (www.davidfrancis.org) but I thought I would share this little piece...

I have many MANY plans for 2008! My priorities remain on getting the magazine in a stronger position, hiring the right people and then expanding the product. I have a couple of other business interests I would like to pursue in '08 as well as my own personal commitment to health and fitness.

My business plan is just like the fitness plan;

• I will gain strength and stamina slowly and methodically. I will walk before I run concentrating on posture and endurance, not only on the treadmill, but also in my business.
   

• I will lift lighter weights so that I can maintain the proper form, realize the greatest benefit and prevent injury; it will be the same in my business as I concentrate on good business practices, sound financial management and great customer service.
   

• I will push myself at the gym to continue to gain mass, loose fat and increase strength; the same will be in business as I will continue to strive for greater market penetration, continued cost management and increased revenue through dedication, hard work and integrity.
   

• I will devote myself to the fitness plan yet remain flexible enough to modify my workout to reach specific goals; the same will be for my company as it takes a great amount of perseverance, dedication and specific plans, it also takes the willingness to adjust those plans to reach specific goals.

I have found that it takes a great amount of effort to reach fitness goals as well as business goals. There is no magic pill, no "easy" routine, and no shortcut. No matter if the fitness goal is to loose weight, gain mass or increase strength, it takes many adjustments, many days of effort and a commitment to the end result. Business is much the same as it takes many days, long hours and the willingness to work hard and do the things that are hard. Reaching the goal usually means reaching many intermediate goals along the way.

Reaching the goal can be the most rewarding thing in life. Working out for 6 months straight to reach specific goals results in more than a bigger bicep, a thinner waist or a stronger heart. Reaching the goal also brings a feeling of accomplishment and a satisfaction that far exceeds the tangible benefits of looking better. The accompanying feeling of accomplishment and victory is unexplainable and can only be realized through many hours of hard work and devotion to the plan. The end result is indescribable and worth every bead of sweat, every day of soreness and every week of devotion.  

It's the same in business.

The companies I've mentioned here and on my other blogs are still on the radar so to speak, but just like my plans for fitness and growth, I will concentrate on the best exercises to reach my goals. If I were to attempt to bench press 500 pounds right now, the weight would be unmanageable and likely hurt me as it crushed my chest. I will however work hard daily to be able to bench press 500 pounds... and similarly, I will work hard daily to bring my business goals and objectives to pass.

May all who read have a wonderful 2008!