It's Tuesday October 19th 2010...today is the day you start your New Year's Resolutions!
So many of us wait until the last minute, and so many of us poop out after the first 30 days into the new year. As I mentioned in my last post, "i only have 5 goals for the year...one for each quarter and one for the year." I don't categorize my goals as, "professional" or "personal." It's all self development! Planning and accomplishing my five goals will reflect positively on my professional and personal life:)
Take 30mins today to plan one goal you would like to accomplish by the end of March 2011 (Q1). I will tell you what mine is...publish my first book:) Amazon Kindle just released the "singles" platform for shorter works...under 100 pages. I don't have it in me to write a novel but "Kindle Singles" has the format and technology to allow me to accomplish my first goal for 2011.
Now it's your turn...what do you want to do? J.K Rowling (the author of the Harry Potter series) started writing on paper napkins in a cafe. Technology today has given us the convenience to jot any type of note or voice recording on to our cell phone for future reference. It's just before lunch, take this lunch hour to jot down or record a memo of your goal for Q1 '11...it only takes a few minutes.
- Do you want to write and publish a book? It's now possible through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple.
- Do you want to lose a few pounds? I lost 40 pounds last year! I ate the same thing but I "controlled my portions." Educate yourself on portion control - it's that simple!
- Do you want to travel to an exotic country? A 1 week trip with air, accommodations and food will usually run $2,000...$600 for airfare (if you plan ahead), $600 for accommodations, $800 for food, drinks and tours. This is how you can save up for a trip like this:
==> There are 5 months until the end of March 2011...around 150 days. Starting next month cut out your daily $5 Starbuck visits, bring your lunch, and cut out one drink (which usually run $5) when you go out with your friends. If you add it up...you can save between $1,500 - 2,000 by the end of March of 2011. Enough to pay for a trip to Central America or South East Asia.
- Do you want to make a short film? I was surprised how many people out there always wanted to do this. This is how:
==> Buy a camcorder or DSLR (you can pick up a decent used one on Craigslist for $300-600) that allows you to plug in an external mic (3.5mm stereo mini jack)...audio is extremely important! Buy an external shotgun mic...if you have a larger budget get a wireless system. They're expensive, each of my set ran $700/each but you can pick up a simple wireless two mic system from Azden that will plug into a consumer 3.5mm jack for around $300...external shotgun mics will run $150. Next you will need decent lighting, and they are expensive! The portable kit I just picked up was a couple thousand bucks - the LED kit I want is $20k! But! There are plenty of websites that show you how to make "softboxes" from stuff lying around your home, no need to get extravagant if this is your first production. Next, get a decent tripod with a fluid and stable head...make sure it has no "play!" Next, get some sort of editing software. Next, write an outline. If you write a whole treatment...believe me you will eventually drop it and never complete it - an outline is fine. Next...get out there an do it! Just SHOOT! It's a lot of trial and error. Know you are going to make mistakes but learn from them and have fun! You can also pick up a free subscription to DV Magazine at DV.com...lot's of good info on video production.
- Want to make more friends...this ones easy! Join a recreational sporting league. Volleyball, martial arts, softball, kickball, bowling...the list goes on and on. This is the best way to find good friends...especially if you're shy.
Now go out there and fuck'n DO IT! No one's stopping you! It starts with a simple scribble. Being happy is simple...do what you love:) It's 11:58am and I just finished my lunch and my outline for my new book...I took my first step. Now it's your turn:)
May your New Year be prosperous and filled with new adventures!
