Three Words to Propel Me in 2010

Clarity. Prioritize. Act.

These are the three words I'm using to guide my professional life in 2010.

Clarity: Keeping it simple. Focusing on specific goals. Making it clear to others what's most important, right now. In recently completing my MBA it became apparent that the most successful leaders are those who provide Clarity - focus and direction - to their organizations.

Prioritize: It's OK to scratch off items that have been on the "to do" list for three weeks. If I haven't done them by now, they aren't going to get done, and how important are they anyway? Each day I want to focus FIRST on those activities that will advance my life, my career, my organization and the success of my students.

Act: It's too easy to put off 'til tomorrow what can make a difference today. But why? As Nike likes to remind us: "Just do it." Not only do you get a great feeling of satisfaction for getting things done, but you're one step closer to achieving those BHAGs - Big Hairy Audacious Goals - ones that really make a difference.

Where did this "three words" concept come from? Chris Brogan, social media expert and author of "Trust Agents." In his first blog post of 2010, he shared his "new" three words and how this activity helps in his personal and professional life. As he explains:

Pick three words that help you the way a lighthouse helps a ship in a storm. Give yourself a word that guides you towards a powerful new opportunity, and that keeps you focused on what comes of this year.

Use these words as starting points for tangible goals, SMART goals that can be measured and have dates to accomplish tasks by. These words sit above the actual goals, and set your guiding principles in place

I've been narrowing my list of three words for several weeks. Some of the words that didn't make the cut this time around? Listen. Think. Patience. While I've resolved to improve these habits in my daily life, Clarity, Prioritize and Act seemed more conducive to achieving some specific goals I have in mind for the year ahead. More on those another time.

For more on choosing three words to focus on goals and getting things done, see:

• Chris Brogan: My 3 Words for 2010
• SAMBA Blog: My Three Words for 2010
• Seth Godin: The Thing About Goals

What are your three words for 2010?

(Photo credit: "Three Golden Keys" by krish.Tipimeni, courtesy of Flickr.com/Creating Commons)

More Advice from a Master Blogger

When you're looking to rejuvenate your blogging routine, a good place to start is one of several tip sheets by social media expert Chris Brogan. "Write Better Blog Posts Today" is his latest post on the subject.

Granted, his blog is geared primarily for those most interested in blogging as a marketing tool. However, would-be journalists and others in the media also will find plenty to get them thinking. Today, for instance, he writes about selecting subjects, titles, style and language:

"Above all else, when choosing your preferred subject, consider writing about something that will be useful to others. Equipping other people to succeed (like I attempt with this blog) is a great way to build your prominence within the space. If you’re really into knitting, don’t just write that you love knitting; show people how you created that amazing iPhone cozy, and explain why you prefer wood to aluminum needles (hint: airport security)."

and

"I try to write in a conversational tone, and yet informative. This is my choice of style. You might choose a more formal tone. You might choose a more conversational tone. Blogging, overall, is a bit more conversational than traditional journalistic style, written as if you and I are conversing. This suits most people just fine."

or

"And finally, if no one’s reading your stuff, you’ve gotta consider why. Is it bad writing? Is it too long? Is it not visually broken up for people’s eyes to scan? Is the topic too minor for people to consider? Or are you posting at the wrong times? There are lots of things to troubleshoot. Just don’t leave it be. Try something. Try something with each new post."

Brogan ends by linking to many of his previous posts on blogging, including his "best" advice, how to blog every day and brainstorming.

For more on blogging, see:

• Luckie's 7 Rules of Blogging - D'oh!
• Godin Talks Blogging with Groundswell
• Just Blog It! Tips for Blog Writers

-rp-

How to Blog Every Day - Tips From a Pro

One of the biggest challenges that young writers face is simply getting into the habit of writing. In my classes at Linn-Benton Community College, I require my students to start a blog (to see some of the results, look to the right). Why do I do this? Because it forces them to come up with new stories and photos each week. It forces them into the writing or creativity habit.

In "How to Blog Almost Every Day," Chris Brogan describes some of the tools he uses to maintain the habit. These include:

• Read something new every day.
• Talk with people every day.
• Find 20-40 minutes in every day to sit still and type.
• Find useful and interesting pictures.

And my favorite: "Get the post up fast, not perfect. You can edit if you have to, later. Perfectionism kills good habits."

I couldn't agree more.

-rp-

p.s. I'm about halfway through Brogan's new book, "Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust," and recommend it highly.