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2008: Choose a Theme, Not a Resolution

Written by: Anne Walsh

Article Overview: When I began to write this article, I decided to go back to basics and check out the dictionary definition of “resolutions.” I got “A thing resolved on, an intention”. To me, the word “intention” is preferable to “resolution.” Somehow intention resonates with the idea of “definitely going to do,” whereas “resolution” has more of an air of doing something because it is good for you, and that’s not always the most inspiring. So, I decided to focus on New Year Intentions. I think for intentions to work, they need to have the following three elements.

2008: Choose a Theme, Not a Resolution

When I began to write this article, I decided to go back to basics and check out the dictionary definition of “resolutions.” I got “A thing resolved on, an intention”. To me, the word “intention” is preferable to “resolution.” Somehow intention resonates with the idea of “definitely going to do,” whereas “resolution” has more of an air of doing something because it is good for you, and that’s not always the most inspiring. So, I decided to focus on New Year Intentions. I think for intentions to work, they need to have the following three elements:

1. Inspiring
2. Achievable
3. Get support

Inspiring, Not Perspiring

Have you ever noticed how some tasks can be done so easily and effortlessly at some times, and at other times--it’s like pulling teeth. The difference is inspiration. I believe inspiration comes when we are doing something that we feel really serves others and the wider world. So, when you choose this year’s intention, choose something that you feel will contribute to the benefit of others, not just yourself. Ask yourself where your passion lies--what would you do without getting paid for it?

Achievable – Make It Real

The first step in beginning to make your intention real is to take some time to actually visualize life AFTER the achievement of the goal. This could take a number of forms. For example, you could devise a treasure map (assemble pictures out of magazines and newspapers that represents your goal) in a scrapbook that you could look at every day. Another way would be to imagine yourself after you have achieved the goal. Write down what you are doing, how you are feeling--all in the present tense. Now, ask yourself what steps you could take to begin making this a reality. Also, begin thinking about what you could do AFTER you have achieved this goal.

Get Support

An inevitable part of taking on a challenge is the slump that comes with it. You will definitely go through times when you feel as though you are completely cracked to take this on. You will doubt yourself, doubt your ability. At these times, it is essential that you have supports set up to help you get back on track. Here are some ways to keep you going:

1. Enlist the help of a group of people (could be over the Internet) to encourage and support you.

2. Keep a book somewhere in which you have written down compliments/acknowledgments people have given you. Read it back.

3. Go back to your original vision. If your intention is linked to helping other people, focus on them not yourself.

4. Step back from the feelings. You could do this by journaling them. Ask them what they are trying to tell you. Accept and acknowledge them, but remember you are not your feelings.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People can be extraordinarily supportive and kind but be guided by your own instincts.

6. Acknowledge yourself every step of the way. Salute your courage in taking on this intention.


Anne Walsh is a life coach based in Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland. You can sign up for her free newsletter Bring your best self to light at www.annewalshcoach.com which will give you tips, hints and ideas as to how to generate more personal and professional success.

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Article Tags: benefit, dictionary definition, inspiration, intention, magazines, new year, newspapers, passion, present tense, pulling teeth, resolutions, scrapbook, slump, three elements, treasure map



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Re: New Year Resolutions... - My New Years Resolution is to be earning $500+ with my online business. This includes any freelance work that I do. I'm about half-way there now. Another Resolution is to look into selling more on eBay and maybe finding a reputable dropshipper that offers competitive pricing on high-demand items. I like eBay and the opportunity that it provides. I've mainly been selling personal items, but I'd like to start tapping into a larger market and making some significant income on eBay.
Re: New Year Resolutions... - [quote="Alan Mater":2acona1t]My New Years Resolution is to be earning $500+ with my online business. This includes any freelance work that I do. I'm about half-way there now. Another Resolution is to look into selling more on eBay and maybe finding a reputable dropshipper that offers competitive pricing on high-demand items. I like eBay and the opportunity that it provides. I've mainly been selling personal items, but I'd like to start tapping into a larger market and making some significant income on eBay.[/quote:2acona1t] Hi Alan, Do you mean $500+ per month? And when you're selling items on eBay from a reputable dropshipper... do you think it's still important to pick a product you're passionate about (like what an entrepreneur would normally do when starting a business)? Or is it just about moving a popular item for profit on eBay?
Re: New Year Resolutions... - [quote="Kevin Lee":398jg5d7][quote="Alan Mater":398jg5d7]My New Years Resolution is to be earning $500+ with my online business. This includes any freelance work that I do. I'm about half-way there now. Another Resolution is to look into selling more on eBay and maybe finding a reputable dropshipper that offers competitive pricing on high-demand items. I like eBay and the opportunity that it provides. I've mainly been selling personal items, but I'd like to start tapping into a larger market and making some significant income on eBay.[/quote:398jg5d7] Hi Alan, Do you mean $500+ per month? And when you're selling items on eBay from a reputable dropshipper... do you think it's still important to pick a product you're passionate about (like what an entrepreneur would normally do when starting a business)? Or is it just about moving a popular item for profit on eBay?[/quote:398jg5d7] Hi Kevin, Yes, sorry I didn't clarify. My goal is to make $500+ per month. I would say yes, pick products that you have an interest in. That's the best option if you're going to like what you do. Hopefully you can find a balance between products you're interested in and products that are in high demand.
Re: Why isn't Starbucks instant coffee selling? - I didn't know about Starbucks instant coffee. However, at the other end of the market, Nestle''s Nespresso is continuing to do well and grew by 30% in 2008, which is pretty impressive in any year, but especially in 2008!! David
How to valuate a business - Hi Garth - here is how we did it at Northern Crown Capital when I was helping them raise venture capital for Toronto-based entrepreneurs. Assume the start date is 2003 so 2008 projections are 5 years out: How Northern Crown Capital Valuates a Business 2008 Financial Projections Earnings Before Tax $5,865,000 Tax Rate 42% Taxes $2,463,300 Net Earnings $3,401,700 Amount Seeking to Raise Today $3,500,000 Discounted Value of Future Opportunity, 5 Years Out 2008 P/E Ratio 15 Value of Company in 2008 $51,025,500 Discount Rate Applied 30% Year 2008 $51,025,500 Year 2007 $35,717,850 Year 2006 $25,002,495 Year 2005 $17,501,747 Year 2004 $12,251,223 Value of Company at Investment in 2003 $12,251,223 Less: Investment Amount $3,500,000 Present Value $8,751,223 Discount for Risk & Private Company 40% Less: Discount for Risk & Private Company $3,500,489 Private Company Value $5,250,734 Present Value (What the Owner Keeps) $5,250,734 60.00% Financing (What the Investor Gets) $3,500,000 40.00% Total $8,750,734 100.00% I hope this helps!


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