Here we are, on what has inauspiciously been named the "most depressing day of the year." It may be raining here in Jersey, and the temps may be dropping by the minute, but today, I’m thinking about my wishes for you for 2014. (And if you’re feeling depressed, take a look at Heather Morse-Geller’s blog about which "you" is showing up for work today – it will re-frame your thinking!)

For 2014, I’ve come up with 10 things that I wish for you in 2014 – it’s going to take some effort, but if we all throw these in the mix, I think we’re going to have a pretty good year. There are so many wishes I have for you, that I’m going to break up this post and give you just two to think about each day this week! 

1. Have a plan: We’ve talked about planning here before (see here and here), but I think it’s important enough to mention again. And don’t worry – even though it’s January 6th, it’s not too late to write a plan (like those of us who think we can only start a new diet and exercise program on Mondays, the best day to start is actually TODAY).

   If the idea of writing some big plan makes you feel anxious, take a few minutes to think about what you really want out of this year – is it more clients? More of the right clients? More speaking opportunities? To take a class or develop your skills in another way? To try some completely off the wall marketing idea? Whatever it is, write it down. Come up with one or two goals that you’d feel really satisfied to have completed by December 31st. 

   Then, come up with a list of ways you can meet those goals – want to take a writing class? You’ll need to do some research, choose a class, figure out when you can make the time, and actually take the class – each of those is a measurable (and manageable!) step. Write them down in your planner (I may love social media and technology, but I still have a hard copy, handwritten planner). When you take one small step each day or each week, it naturally builds on itself. Do this with all of your goals. 
    

2. Open Your Mind: I’m definitely guilty of falling into the trap of doing what’s comfortable. I like to know what’s been done before (and how) and see how I can convert that to what I’m doing. But this is my year to get creative – I can look at what other industries are doing and see how that might apply to my own business (remember when we discussed how Zappos – a shoe/product company – has relevance to legal marketing? Posts can be found here, here and here – and even here, back from 2011!)

   I’m not suggesting we get crazy, but let’s not dismiss ideas and opportunities because they might be a little uncomfortable or new – that’s where the real growth and learning happen. Just be open this year. Not every new idea or conversation is going to work, but it will make us better people, better lawyers, better marketers simply by staying open.

Check back every day this week for more of my wishes for you. And since I’ll be blowing out the candles tomorrow for my 34th birthday, I know that they’ll all be coming true!