It happens every year: the clock counts down to 12AM and it’s the new year! Now what? Life doesn’t change (for the better) that simply. We need to create that change. Focusing on a direction at the start of the new year has turned out to be a great strategy. Prior to 2009 I tackled Life’s challenges one day at a time and, while not necessarily a bad thing, it hindered the potential growth that forward-planning allows for. Last year I focused mainly on one idea: Academics. The year really went well and I was able to study-abroad with a scholarship! However, this initial focus is just a small step of the bigger goal.

2010 will focus on three words: Condition, Calling and Connections. Chris Brogan elaborates the idea very well in his post. Condition refers to the idea that maintaining a healthy body is just as important as an expansive mind; one affects the other and both need to be addressed for maximum efficiency. Calling is what we do with our free time. I can’t do everything so I need to prioritize, balance, and really understand WHY I do what I do. Connections focuses on something that is critical in today’s world: networking (both social and professional). The people that I surround myself with shouldn’t be set, but rather a growing collective of both old and new faces. Also, I need to work on making those connections thrive and not let them whither away.

As a side bonus, I want to add in a few feats that are not mandatory but would like to accomplish as well. Reading a book every week seems daunting, but luckily the old adage of taking small steps first comes to mind; I’ll work on reading a book every month. This blog is my connection to those of you who like what I have to share. I don’t really focus on personal minutia, but rather something engaging or thought-provoking (at least that’s the intention). I’ll aim on once a week at the very least. Another drive is to build on some of the various web tools tools out there (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn). I use them sporadically, more than I would like to, so I’ll strive to leverage them accordingly.

There is always room for improvement, nothing is set in stone and picking ourselves up after a mistake (or two, or three) is not grounds for throwing in the towel. Life throws curve balls at you and having a plan, even if it doesn’t pan out, makes it much easier to recover than not having one. That’s my way of thinking. Believe It!

What words do you plan on focusing on in 2010?

Photo credit savagechickens