Reflecting Back. Aiming Forward.

When the leaves start changing color, I always start getting reflective. I think about where I am in my life, what has happened over the past year and where I want to see things go and change in the future. I remember starting this post in my head back on November 1st. I wanted to encourage people not to wait until the end of the year to figure out their resolutions and to end up only spending the night of the 31st reflecting and thinking about all these important little details. But, as my life has been lately, that post never got out of my head. Something else took the time and got my attention and I never got back to it.

I'm sure many people are like me where their brain is in a constant state of motion. I've got a million ideas bouncing around, to do lists, goals, emotions, thoughts and memories that all somehow fit in there. Plus the random collection of trivia, song lyrics and pointless information that the human brain is so good at keeping.

I've had a pretty damn good 2008. It wasn't an easy year and no I didn't accomplish every goal that I set out to, but that is why they are called goals. If they were all easy to achieve then where is the challenge? Set them high or don't set them at all has always been my philosophy.

Yes, I've already started a list of what I want to accomplish in 2009. I rarely call them resolutions because those always seem non specific and thus hard to reach. Some have carried over from years past. I found in an old notebook my list from 2006 and noticed that there is one on there that seems to get carried over every year. It'll make it that much sweeter when I finally complete it.

Individuals as well as companies need to be thinking about what they want to accomplish next year. We've got 4 weeks until 2009 will come roaring into our lives and we all should take some quality time and reflect on where we've been, where we want to be and to thank those that are helping us. I've been part of more then one meeting lately with clients looking at the entire year ahead and it is always exciting.

I have a feeling that the coming year is going to be one of struggle and stress for many of us and that will mean that your friendships and community around you are going to be more critical then ever. I'm not talking about all the people you have lunchboxed (hat tip to Clarence) on social networks and such. I'm talking about your real Friends and contacts.

Start thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2009. Figure out what you can accomplish before the end of the year and strive for that as well. If there are people who can help you reach those goals then share with them and talk to them about how you need their help. Trust me, I've got a lot in 2009 I want to accomplish and you'll be hearing from me soon if YOU can help.