Guidelines to Live By for 2012

2012. It has the tenor and tone of opportunity. This is great and terrible at the same time. It is great because it means there is business to be had, friendships to be forged and strategic alliances to be made. It is terrible because it means one will have to be very aware and open to recognize the favorable circumstances as they appear, and as often as not they come cloaked in challenges.

In the hopes of capturing whatever gifts and graces that are available to me in the fresh start of a year, I have made a few resolutions that may sound personal, but truly apply to my practice, and also to all business owners. Here we go.

• Learn to say no. Accept only the clients I can truly impact and who are really open to change and growth.
• Give gratitude for everything and do it openly in front of as many people as possible as appropriate. I will be using my Wordpress blog, jeanneblogs to do this.
• Choose carefully how I spend my time.
• Delegate more. We all have a unique skill that makes us business owners. Try and just do that. If it is not my unique skill set, I will try and find the appropriate person to do it for me.
• Take me time to play. Play develops character and creativity. What I do is very analytical and the reprieve from this constant work and from my responsibilities as a parent, significant other, family member and friend is essential for my overall well-being.
• Ask for help and use the resources I have right in front of me. I am not weak when I ask for help, I am stronger because I am using synergy to create something more expansive.
• Use “I am sorry” as needed. Only apologize when I have directly caused harm, but use it liberally when I have.

©iStockphoto.com/aluxum

In general, I try to live by these, and a few other guidelines, but the reminder, while sitting here has been helpful and refreshing. I hope that you can take all that 2012 offers and create prosperity, brilliance, health and satisfaction personally and professionally for yourself and all those you touch.

*All investment advice given by Jeanne Brutman is just opinion. Please consult with your financial professional for a more thorough discussion of what is appropriate for you.