Ringing in the New Year – A Different Kind of Post
2009 was a strange year for me. On one hand, it was tough, stressful, and depressing. On the other hand, it was one of the best years of my life.
How can such a dichotomy exist? Well, for me, 2009 started in Kabul Afghanistan, while my wife and 2 awesome kids (Gabriel and Annica) were trying to find ways to celebrate even though their father was absent.
Being deployed is different…it’s great because it give people like me a chance to fulfill their duty and obligation, but being away from home is something you don’t really get used to.
We also dealt with the death of a handful of close friends and family members, and I spent a majority of my free time working on a 2nd business, instead of hanging out with those that were still with us.
But…the rest of the year, even when I was in Afghanistan, was fabulous.
Personally, I overcame a lot of issues and setbacks, I achieved my goal of becoming a triathlete, and I started my 30′s off with a bang.
My business has never been better, I just launched a book that got plastered all over the web, and I befriended dozens of awesome people that I wouldn’t have met were it not for this awesome business of social media and blogging that many of us find ourselves in.
Now, it occured to me shortly before today, that while 2009 might have been great for me, it was rough for many others. Others had it better than I did.
So instead of writing to just one portion of that group, I wanted to write to both, so here we go…
If 2009 Was Not Your Year
You aren’t alone. Millions of people suffered in 2009, whether financially, emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
The fact that you’re here, trying to learn to improve, shows you’re on the path to recovery…and I salute that.
Your challenge in 2010 is to not get down, not get depressed, and to not quit. Instead, you need to rise up and meet your fears head on. Take on the doubters, skeptics, and critics, and as Chris Guillebeau posted today…say “watch me.”
More than that though, 2010 needs to be the year that you decide what you want with your life…I mean really spend some time thinking about it and decide…and start taking steps towards making it happen.
Don’t let anyone tell you it cannot be done, and don’t worry about failure. There’s nothing that can’t be undone. Just step up and go for it; what do you have to lose?
Find a Mentor
Find someone that’s doing what you want to be doing, or paving the road you want to travel, and introduce yourself to them. Study them, watch them, and try to get to know them. At first, they might ignore you, but if you prove that you aren’t there just to take, but are willing to work your way up, then eventually they can’t help but to give in.
Develop Skills
Being an entrepreneur means you either have to develop the skills necessary to compete, or you have to pay someone to develop them for you. One path requires time, while the other requires money. Determine how much of each you are willing to invest in your business and get started.
Take Action
Plans are useless without action. Action is useless without plans. Start with a basic 5 year plan, create a series of actions steps, and get started. Don’t worry about being perfect, just get started.
If 2009 wasn’t your year, make sure that it’s the last one of it’s kind. It’s a new year, and a new decade…make sure it counts.
If 2009 Was Your Year
If you rocked it in 2009, then I have just a few things to ask of you:
1. Don’t forget the little guy.
I’m amazed by how many people shit on the little guy once they make the big time. They seem to forget that they were once little too, and if it weren’t for someone boosting them up, they probably wouldn’t have made it either.
Find someone that needs your help and give them a boost. If they become successful, then find another. We were all little guys once, and we need to encourage and develop our brothers-in-arms, not discourage them.
2. Keep rocking
You set the bar high…you set an example for how things can be done…keep doing it. Don’t sit on your bum and take a break. Instead, keep pushing the bar higher…keep breaking through barriers and blazing new trails. We’re depending on you.
3. Celebrate
Don’t forget to enjoy life when you get to the top…or anywhere that closely resembles it. Take time to hang out so I can buy you a beer next time we meet. Work is good, but it’s all for naught if we don’t take some time to kick back and appreciate it.
My Turn
Lastly, I want to spend a minute, or 60, thanking and acknowledgning people that helped make my 2009 a great one…the list is long, so please bear with me.
Professional
1. Chris Brogan – You set the example in more ways than one. Authentic, helpful, and inspirational. Somehow, you find time for everyone. One of these days I’ll find a way to pay you back.
2. Chris Guillebeau – I typed your name so many times this year that I finally figured out how to spell it without looking. You showed me how to do it right, and you were always there to lend a hand. Thanks for kicking the world’s ass on a daily basis.
3. David Risley – Dude, you are easily one of the most approachable and laid back guys I’ve met. You show us how it’s done, and always keep it real. I’m looking forward to hanging out in Tampa.
4. Mike CJ – Who would have thought we’d end up here? Thanks for putting up with my workaholic-ness and keeping me grounded. We’ve made something pretty cool together, haven’t we?
5. Rich Lazzara – Truly underrated, but you don’t complain. You know where you’re at, where you’re going, and where you want to be. Thanks for the Heineken, I owe you one (or several) next time we meet. One of these days, I promise, you’ll be making me a yacht.
6. Lara Kulpa – You deserve much more attention than you get, but you’ll get it soon. Keep being awesome and seriously…thanks for everything you’ve done for me.
7. Karl Staib – Thanks for reminding us all to be thankful for what we have, and to stop always looking ahead.
8. Michael Martine – We just missed each other at bwe, but I still feel like I know you the same. I’m looking forward to your 2010…keep rocking man.
9. Ed Dale – We haven’t met, but your 30DC was a huge help to me early on in my career. You’re one of the good guys.
10. Frank Kern – People love to hate you, and hate to love you, but you are a true marketing traiblazer. Keep teaching people that it’s OK to make money and live well.
11. Jeff Walker – PLF is amazing, ’nuff said.
12. Brian Clark – The man behind the curtain…your 3rd Tribe teachings are going to be huge for people like me that want to sell without being sleazy.
13. Sonia Simone – Thanks for putting up with my repeated emails and for giving me a chance to shine on Copyblogger. Your writing is awesome, and it’s an honor.
14. Drew Bennett (Ben Spark) – Love your attitude man…you give so much more than you take. Keep up the good fight.
15. Lisa Morosky – I’m going to need you sooner than later…thanks for all of your support.
16. Dave Navarro – All this time you’ve been hiding out in my state without telling me. Love the way you do business, as I told CB…I hide behind you when the marketing flak gets too rough.
17. Dean, Jana, Kimb – Thanks for all of yoru awesome design work this year.
18. Gary V – Thanks for teaching us how to #crushit.
19. Shama Kabani – You keep changing names so much I can’t keep up, but your help has been amazing.
20. All of you probloggers that I only recently met, but look forward to working with again: Darren, ChrisG, and others. Thanks for being awesome.
To everyone else that I just met, but have already begun to love hanging out with: Jordan, Srinivas, Oleg, Tim Jones (The Real One), Gordie, Robert, Beau, Antti, Kevin, Ittybiz, Derek, Sarge, and ayone else I’m forgetting…THANK YOU.
Personal
1. My wife and kids, for understanding why I’m always on the computer…and for being there when I made it home safe.
2. My entire family, for always believing in me.
3. Anne Moss Rogers, for being there from the start.
4. Steve and the BT crew, for helping me reach my goals this year.
5. McHenry, Sackett, Debo, and Big Willi Style, for hanging in there for a long 8 months.
6. Ginger, for helping me get ready for the suck at REV3 (get your minds out of the gutter).
7. All you fast assholes at Augusta an in the NCTS, for keeping me going.
8. Who am I missing? There has to be someone that I’m missing, that will point it out nicely, and I’ll feel like an ass…but I tried. I’m running out of daylight here!
To 2009, for being awesome, and for 2010 for laying down so soon. It’s on baby.
-Nathan
Recommended Posts
Like what you see here? Click Here to check out my guides and courses or make it simple and Hire Me. Also, please leave a comment and click that cool RT button. Thanks!
PodcastDigital Empires Radio - How to Build an Online Business Empire
Digital Empires TVMy take on good marketing and the future of platforming
Consulting ServicesFind out how I can help you make more money doing something that you love
iPhone AppsThe next phase of expansion - mobile apps and software.
