Resolutions for Survival in 2009

Surviving in 2009 Means Lots of Work

I’ve been giving a great deal of thought to my New Years Resolutions for 2009. I’ve come to the conclusion in my case it means surviving in 2009, hence the title.  There are some very major goals that I’m working on getting in writing, which isn’t as easy as it sounds.

I may not be doing this is the normal way but then is there a right or wrong way? As long as the resolutions remain reachable and I succeed, isn’t that what counts? So the first thing I ask myself is what do I really want? Sure I want to make money, but for some reason that is NOT my main goal. My fervent wish is to move to New Mexico. Now granted, I need money to do that but the move is my main motivation. Since I chose to get out of telecom (will I ever be really be out of it?) it has been interesting. Since I left then I’ve had 2 full time jobs, one I was laid off and even though I loved the work, I know it was best since paychecks were getting later and later. I at least was lucky enough to get paid. The 2nd job I left on my own because in all my years of working I’ve never seen abuse dumped on employees like in this company. I had to leave for my own sanity. (Hey, I divorced someone many years ago for less abuse..why put up with it now?)

So on the the main resolutions:

Resolution #1 Move to New Mexico

Of course, the next question is, what has to happen for me to make this move happen? I had to sit down and really evaluate my strengths. That in itself can be pretty scary. But I actually amazed myself. I have the strengths and ability to accomplish all of my goals if I have a good blueprint to follow. Most of the my resolutions are really subs of my main goal but this is a start. Without them being successful the rest doesn’t happen.

Resolution #2 -  Finish the re-design on my online sewing school, Destination Sewing.

I’m in the middle of this re-design now. I’m using some newer technologies (at least for this type of school) and I’m in the process of getting them implemented. The site will  focus on all Web 2 technologies. This will allow a larger variety of teaching methods to be used but yet keep it from getting technically overwhelming for student and instructors. I have not set a firm date for re-opening but I would love to have it completed with courses running by the end of February. Want to teach sewing on-line and share your knowledge with others? Contact me at my school address.

Resolution #3  – Open My Second School

I know this doesn’t say much but I’m not quite ready to announce it yet. I’m in the middle of producing some great training videos and content to go along with it. I will tell you this much…if you are new to blogging and have a small business, then this will be just for you.  Tentative opening date will be no later than the end of January 2009.

Resolution #4 – Slash My Career Even Further

Ok..I know you’re saying “Huh?” Well, I’ve learned the term for what I’ve been doing is called just that..career slashing. (Read about it here). Guess I’m not the only one who is doing it. In today’s world and economy you have to learn to be diversified. And after over 30 years in the job market if I can’t come up with multiple marketable skills then I’m in serious trouble. I’ve learned over the years that even in diversification, that a little bit of your talent shows up in everything you choose to do. (Which is why kids today shouldn’t look down on any job they do, but then that’s another post for the future)

I have some great ideas based on something a friend has asked me if I would like to do his company. It caught me of guard but has got me thinking, why not? I’m continuing my self inventory to make sure that I have the right skill set before I commit but it will be a new niche that still ties to other things I’m doing. More on this in the days to come.

I also have a friend who has asked me to develop a couple of training videos for him on a new project. I’ve already agreed to this but now the ball is in his court. Will they get the funding they need? Sure hope so, because I love doing training videos even though this will be a market that is brand new to me.

Resolution #5 – Build Up My Affiliate Sites

This was a project I started last year and although it has been fairly successful, I would like to expand it. Most of my sites are Ebay affiliate sites through PepperJam Network. I want to add more sites (about 10 more) but would also like to add a couple of different type of affiliate sites also. This will be primarily experimenting on my part to see what works and what doesn’t. It is by no means planned to be my main source of income as I don’t find it to be as much fun as other things and I want to have fun also.

Resolution #6 -  Lose weight and Get Healthier

I know, it’s the same old one every year. I’m not getting any younger and even though my health is good, losing the weight will help me stay that way. I know that carbs are a real weakness for me so even though I don’t want to go on a real structured diet, I may end up having to do so. I know that I need to change my eating habits and make it a way of life.

I have some other more personal goals or resolutions but I don’t see any reason to bore you with more of this. The above goals will keep me busy for the entire year and then some. I’ll be blogging about the successes and failures (oh please..not too many). Hopefully if this continue to go as planned, i will have lots of positive things to share.

Please feel free to comment on any of the above. I’m open to advice or comments. Just don’t be too cruel.