Now is the time to look forward. What are you going to do with the year 2010? What didn’t you get done in 2009? It’s time to take a look at the groundwork you’ve already laid, write down some things you want to achieve, and begin to take action in 2010.

Rome wasn’t built in a day – same is true for your craft, whether it be writing songs, or building your creative service business. It takes time, it takes planning, setting realistic goals, and to stay focused with forward thinking. Here are some suggestions to get started:

1. Always make a wish list. Knowing your long term and short term goals are important and there’s no shame in putting them on paper.

2. Pick something and just do it. Don’t worry too much if what you are doing is wrong or right. Think it out, weigh the pros and cons, and always be aware of what you are getting yourself into. But don’t let the fear of doing something correctly stop you from moving forward. This whole life thing is all one big lesson. You learn best by doing.

3. Keep track of your progress. Stop, pick your head up, look behind you, look in front of you, and make your adjustments. Plans are made, but plans also need adjustments with time. A good business owner always knows when to make adjustments.

4. Always try and look at the bigger picture. Don’t get lost in the details or the get caught up in mistakes or problems. The world is full of problems that are randomly bouncing off of people. Mistakes will always happen as long as we are human. Remember to learn from mistakes and you will come out that much stronger on the other end.

5. Don’t give up. Unless you are really not enjoying yourself… It’s a commitment, and it’s not always easy, or rosy, and you can give up any kind of preconceived expectations. We have no idea where things will lead us – leave yourself open to all opportunities, and you’ll most likely take away something interesting from every experience. Don’t let the bumps in the road throw you off.

6. Stay focused. You know what you want – go get it.

It doesn’t matter what profession you are in, if you don’t set goals and deadlines, you’ll never get anything done. And remember if you don’t keep chipping away at it, you’ll find it all passed you by.  Start making lists, start setting goals, make realistic decisions based on real data, and don’t be afraid to test your ideas!

If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call… Whitecrowe is offering consultation services to help you get organized, devise a plan and enable you to move forward.