Focus On Your Previous Success Instead Of Creating New Year's Resolutions

As we all jump to make those BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goals) for the New Year I would like to interject for just one moment...because that's my job! Think back on 2011 and before you write all those goals you didn’t accomplish on your goal list for 2012 try reflecting back on the goals in 2011 that were a success.We are quick to forget what actually worked for our business as we are often too tied to the desire for instant gratification, quick fixes, or overnight success even when we know it just doesn’t work that way. Accomplishing your goals is a matter of patience and grabbing opportunities even if just by a hair. Look back to 2011 and reflect on what (even if it took all year) actually worked out in your favor.Don’t be afraid to dig a little...What marketing ideas did you enjoy following through with? What new product opened your world up? What colors were the most favored? What days of the week did you see the highest website traffic? What contacts did you make or new groups you looked forward to attending? ...these are all things that were actually successes! They weren’t overnight and they certainly took time to come through, but they were successes.  Set yourself up to accomplish your goals by doing more of what you have already succeeded at! A Perfect Example: During 2011, I kept pushing my ability to try new marketing styles. All the while anytime I would speak at an event, attend a network group, or just meet business friends for coffee I would gain a new client. My most successful marketing was getting in front of people. Yet I was so focused on what I didn’t get accomplish I continued to search for that “one marketing style” and it was right under my nose! If I had spent as much time finding new ways to get in front of people as I did coming up with new marketing ideas I could have gained upwards of 70 new clients for the year.Here’s to a new year minus some of the guessing game!Andrea Mansfield is the owner of Brand & Bloom where she guides creative women using clarity about their purpose and passion for a successful business.Main image courtesy of *~Dawn~*

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