Minnesota Morning

Finally, the day before the day before New Year’s Day.

I am not real big on News Year’s resolutions. Not that folks should not make changes they would like to make but why wait until January 1? I mean, why not July 16^th or April 7^th? Or whatever day you think of it?

What stops people from making the changes they want to make now?

2008 and will go down for me personally and professionally as the best and worst year I have had. There have been many blessings, fortunate timing of events, good luck, old friends and new people with trusted relationships. I have learned that I truly have the best of friends. There has also been illness, death, client non payment issues, not been able to keep my word as I planned and misunderstandings through miscommunication.

This in just the past 60 days which really is a snapshot of the whole year.

I know life “happens” and while we do our best to make decisions and plans, think about tomorrow and next month sometimes shit just happens and you deal with it the best you can.

About ten days ago on Twitter and Facebook I posted something about remembering as a kid you could call a “Do Over”. Usually it was involved in some game or other activity. It gave you the ability to have another chance.

I decided that 2009 was going to be a bit of a “Do Over” year for me.

But then life happened (again) and I dealt (am dealing) with it and now see 2009 a bit different.

Screw the “Do Over” concept. I promise that I have been doing the best I can with what I have and will continue to do so. Rather than make 2009 a 2008 sequel I am going to make it it’s own year as it should be.

Not so much a resolution but I am going to go back to trusting my inner compass on what I should be doing on any given topic at a particular time.

The saying, “Lead, follow or get out of the way” is one I like.

For 2009 it will be, “Hop on, step aside and watch, or get your ass run over.” All I can promise is that I have the best of intentions, trying to do the right thing and am going to do the best I can with what I have.

Oh and if you hop on please fasten your lap belt and keep your arms within the vehicle because no doubt it will be a bumpy ride.

Happy New Year and Best Wishes to everyone.

Tomorrow, be prepared for some sports talk. It is my favorite season, college football bowl season and while watching much of it have some stuff to share. That and my Minnesota Golden Gophers play the Kansas Jayhawks in the Insight Bowl tomorrow (Wednesday, December 31st) at 5 pm CST in Tempe, Arizona.

Recruiter Link:

• Fistful of Talent: 5 Must-Use Social Media Tools For HR & Recruiting Professionals In 2009 I am a big fan of Jennifer McClure

Career Links:

• HR Morning: 4 ways to keep your job Not so obvious things to think about
• Networking Effectively: Are You Afraid To Ask For A Favor? After all these years I do still fall in this trap

Economy Links:

• CNBC: In Minn., more turn to cash-starved state for help
• BusinessWeek: Will Work for Praise: The Web's Free-Labor Economy Hat tip John Sumser
• StarTribune: Growing UP in a down economy There are companies doing well during this recession

Comments

[Rick Ellis]

Great post. I've been enjoying your blog a lot.

I was laid off from my web job in April, and my original intention was to transition into a new full-time position. I had a decent amount of experience, but it hasn't been the best time for someone with content and BD/SEO experience to look for work.

But I've found a steady amount of contract work, and I agree with your thoughts on a "do-over" for the year. All any of us can do is the best that we can and work even more effectively in 2009.

Have a great New Year.