On New Year’s Day we had a gathering of friends at our home to watch the final week of regulation NFL football. Our friend Steve not-so-jokingly declared that 2012 was the Year of Steve. We laughed at the time, but it has actually served as a catalyst for me to set some serious goals for the year ahead. Thank you, Steve.
At the beginning of 2011, I participated in an exercise with one of my favorite bloggers/authors/speakers, Chris Brogan, where I listed three words for that year. Rather than make impossible resolutions, he challenged us to commit to the three words and work at them all year long. In 2011, my three words had to do with collaboration and helping others.
For 2012, I have decided to be like Steve. I am going to make this my year and devote my energy to growing my business, increasing my personal brand and raising my level of engagement in the social web. Basically, I am hiring me to represent me.
And now, my 3 words for 2012, The Year of Angela:
Believe: I have been running a successful PR business since 2003, yet I still question my own expertise and value. That ends today. I am committing to believe in myself, my business, my team and the value I bring to my clients. (And raising my rates!)
Conquer: Putting yourself “out there” is a scary proposition, but I am going for it. I will pursue public speaking, write more articles, ramp up my blogging, collaborate with other professionals and get over my fear of video. I have already begun a monthly workshop for small business owners and taken a huge step by submitting a panel idea to a social media conference to be held in June (wish me luck).
Publish: By publish, I don’t necessarily mean a book, although that’s on the list. By publish I mean “do it.” Stop talking about all the things I want to create and just do them already. This includes video, blogging, speaking, mentoring and everything other way I can put myself "out there."
So in the Year of Angela, I will Believe in what I have to offer, Conquer my fear and just hit Publish.
If Steve can motivate me to refocus and change my life, what can the Year of Steve do for you? I challenge you to make 2012 the Year of ______________(your name here.)
If you’re curious, you can see my 2011 words along with the other folks who participated at Chris’ blog. While you’re there, check out his 2012 post for great ideas to implement your words and, what the hell, you may as well subscribe!
