'Twas the Week Before the New Year

I just had to touch base with you one more time before 2005 faded into history…

'TWAS THE WEEK BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

The week before the New Year is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year. It’s a time to relax with family, friends, and the book(s) I got for Christmas. It’s also the time when I reflect on accomplishments and frustrations of the past year and solidify visions for each area of my life and the coming year.

From there I identify 90-day and 30-day goals by asking, “If I am to achieve what I envision for this year, what do I have to accomplish in the first quarter of the year?” And then, “What do I need to do in January in order to achieve my 90-day goals?”

Yes - I really do this. Ask my family. And if you really want to have fun - sit down with your spouse and/or adult children or best friend (after you've all gone through the process) and share your visions for the new year with each other.

Something else happens during this wonderful relaxing yet invigorating week.

It all started a few years ago when I decided to zero in on a one-word theme for the coming year. Back then, the themes were words like “peace” and “balance” and “profitability.” I’ve always found it amazing that, as I look back on a year, the word I chose at the beginning of the year really did describe what I learned in that year or how that year ended up.

Since choosing that first word (way back when), I've continued to identify a one-word theme during the week before January 1 of every year – not before and not after.

Try it. By-the-way, my word for this coming year is “focus.” What’s yours? If you’d like to share it with me, I’d love to hear it. Send me an email at ann@smartstrategiesinc.com

THREE NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITIES

1. For anyone who wants to learn the process I just talked about
Many of you who took my "Get Your Year In Gear" program (GYYIG) this past Fall told me how much the tools helped bring order to your life and make it possible to begin 2006 with a clear plan.

Others have asked when I plan to run the next "Get Your Year In Gear" so they too can get in on the great tools.

OK - here’s the scoop.

Originally, the plan was to wait until Fall 2006 – BUT – because of the requests, I’ve decided to give one more opportunity for you to get the materials that so many found useful.

January 9th, the virtual version of GYYIG begins. This means that, for just $187, you will receive four lessons (one per week for four weeks) packed with instruction, examples and tools via email.

As part of the program, I will also set up a one-hour, group call for every Wednesday following distribution of each lesson. Whoever calls into the conference line will benefit from being coached on the material they received.

To get more information and to register, click here Get Your Year In Gear ONLINE .You won’t regret it. Here's what Janet had to say after she participated in this program.

"This was my first experience in a tele-class with lessons emailed to me and then being able to call in to ask questions that met my specific needs. I was impressed with the great tools and structure and loved that it started with big picture and got down to daily time and task management.

"I’ve been very focused on working on my business plan and so the focus on vision and 90 day goal setting was very helpful. It also helped me realize that I was doing too much “other” work at the expense of “focus” time for billable work. During this course, I was able to set limitations and reshape my commitments. That’s a very tangible outcome that will benefit my business.

"Your program is a great way to really focus on planning for the next year. It gives a great tool kit that can be used well beyond this course and helps in mastering planning, prioritizing and time management.

"The program is also about our whole life and achieving great balance, not just about managing our business life. It’s a wonderful model of integrated life planning that will help me focus on ALL things important in my life." Janet Frood, London, ON

GYYIG ONLINE starts January 9th. Click here to Get Your Year In Gear ONLINE

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2. For website and blog enthusiasts
If you are serious about blogging and/or exploring what it can do for you and your website and business, here is a product that I highly recommend.

Sherman Hu is offering 22 free videos to introduce people to a comprehensive series he has developed for setting up, customizing, using, and marketing with a blogging platform called WordPress. It was launched on December 19th and has already met with rave reviews. Visit WordPressTutorials to view the video trailer and to register for a free sneak preview of the first volume of this incredible new series.

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3. For business owners and their teams
In the first week of January you will receive an email from me with the opportunity to get involved in the premier year of The Smart Business School launching February 1. Some of you have brainstormed with me about this one-year program for business owners and their teams. And it's finally here. Watch your email for how you can take advantage of this one-year program that will give group and one-on-one coaching for you as a business owner, AND quarterly training workshops for you and your team, AND so much more.

HERE'S TO 2006
May you and your family have a Very Happy New Year.

Ann Griffiths
ann@smartstrategiesinc.com