I am honored to have Lori Nordstrom as our next guest blogger. You can find Lori teaching around the country, or on Photo Talk Forum, an online community of photographers dedicated to growing their businesses! Lori will be presenting at WPPI. “It's a Brand New Game,” is all about shaking it up and keeping things fresh to stay ahead. It's on Sunday, February 19 at 9 am.
I really can’t believe it’s February! Crazy really!! When I was a kid it went so fast … now I just wish for days back! It’s funny how that reverses as we get older – when we’re little we just want to be older, and now we just want to be younger again. Maybe even want a “do-over”. I guess it might be one of the most important things I want to instill in my kids … to live every moment!
Yes, it’s easier said than done. I had to remind myself today that even though January is over, we are still brand new into this new year. January for me always feels like a clean slate and a fresh start, so I’m always a little sad to see it go. This year however I’m going to concentrate on feeling every day like I do on January 1. What can I do today to make it the best day ever?
I’d love to share with you a couple of things that will get you to your happy spot for 2012.
Be A Goal Setter
Did you claim a New Year’s Resolution? Most don’t last, so don’t beat yourself up! It’s something that we call out at the last minute, usually after a couple toasts and say – “next year I’m going to …”
Goals are something different. Goals have direction. Goals need and require action. If you haven’t set real goals before, do it now! When you have a clear set of goals, both immediate and for the future, it makes it exciting to get up in the morning.
WHAT is the goal you want to achieve?
WHY do you want to achieve it? (Give it a purpose!)
WHERE are you, your starting point?
HOW will you achieve your goal? (Action steps)
WHO will you commit your goal to? (Accountability counts!)
WHEN will you reach this goal? (Specific deadline)
Zig Ziglar recommends setting goals in each of these areas:
Ziglar describes that when you are working towards goals in each of these areas you have a complete wheel. When you leave out one of these areas you’re going to end up with a flat tire!
I feel it’s just as important to set the daily/small goals and make a plan as it is to set goals for the future. Stephen Covey says that if you spend 15 minutes planning each morning, you’ll add 20% productivity to your day! Start each morning with a prioritzed to-do list, and get more done!
Start A Journal And Write Things Down.
This makes a huge difference in not only moving forward, but re-evaluating later.
I wish you the very best 2012! To help with your planning, download this Business Plan Workbook + Goals Worksheet for FREE!
One of my personal goals has always been to give back. Getting specific about that means defining when, where and how. I've been involved locally and raise money each year for several charities including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, who I'm very involved with. However, in 2010 I went for the first time to Ecuador.
[blogshow id=9c96 player=1 autoplay=0 toolbar=1]After falling in love with the people and the culture, and especially the orphaned children, I started a non-profit with fellow photographer Travis Gugelman with the hopes of raising money for the orphanages there. You can follow some of what we're doing there at www.dandoamor.org.
The next trip to Ecuador will be in March 2012. If you are interested in coming on a trip with us or would like to help by raising money, please email me lori at nordstromphoto dot com. I would love to get more info to you about how you can get involved. It's a trip and a cause that will change your perspective and your life – it certainly has mine.
What personal or business goals did you set for yourself and how are you going to go about achieving them? Tell us in the comments section below!