NOW WHAT? It’s December…in addition to shopping and sending cards and all that…you have goals and you need to achieve them.
![Brasil Mural in Brazil](https://area224.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2810305940_6224982812_b-300x220.jpg)
Less than a few weeks left in 2012 and, no matter what your goals are, staying focused is of the utmost importance.
How can you do that – especially in the wild, crazy social media world we’re in? Good question – and here are a few ways to stay sharp.
1. Visit the Right Kinds of Sites
Yeah, it’s easy to get pulled into discussions about things like the Fiscal Cliff. And then you start looking at the news coverage and believing that things are heading to heck in a handbasket…making it tough to, as CNBC says, “Rise Above.”
No matter your goals – new clients, a new job, or just finishing the year on a positive note – it’s important to avoid the time suck that can be the wrong kinds of websites.
We love using a 10-minute rule on surfing. Set a timer, surf with specific reading in mind, then move on.
Sites we recommend for this sort of thing:
Danny Brown is one of our favorites, and he has launched something cool called “Help Me Be Inspired.”
If you are studying the Social Media and Digital space, check out V3IM and the inimitable Shelly Kramer.
Communications and PR professionals just starting out can learn from industry veterans like the team at SpinSucks or Culpwrit (where they have a great post on your Personal Brand).
There’s a theme to these: they’re all tremendously positive sites – they’re not starting fights, rather helping to lift everyone up through real-world advice.
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Something New…
This isn’t about signing up for clients that will drive you crazy, or taking the job that you HAVE to take because, well, you HAVE to take it.
It IS about broadening your horizons just a bit.
Is there a project you can sign up for – even if that means you have to spend an extra hour a day learning Excel, or Photoshop?
Is there a side gig you should consider – because your downtime isn’t productive?
And, should you learn a new language – not because you have to, but because…you want to see if you can?
NOTE TO SELF: You have that Pimsleur Russian thing sitting over there. Fire it up.
3. 2013 Planning AND 2012 Finishing
Time to level-set, too. Some things won’t happen this year – but that doesn’t mean that they cannot happen next year.
Maybe the plan was to write a book – but there’s no way you can finish it now. That’s okay…just get it slotted in for 2013. BUT make sure you revisit the plan for this book-writing.
If the plan was to focus on money, you can visit sites like New Frugality and get tips.
Whatever you’ll miss the goal on for this year, do ask yourself if it’s important for next year. If it is, plan it.
Stay positive and sharpen your focus for the balance of the year. You’ll be glad you did!
By the Way…
If you’re up to learning something new – and that something is Digital Marketing – take a look at this top-notch class from 312 Digital. Use the code “Area224” and you’ll save $100.
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