Questions instead of resolutions?

Drive.
Strive.
Jive.
Hive.
Thrive.
Alive.
Vibe – if you stretch it.
Live – depends on usage, which determines pronunciation.

The new year is 2015, but since there aren’t very many things that rhyme with fifteen, I’ve heard people working instead to rhyme one-five. Devising a catchy slogan for the coming year is just one of several rituals we seem to observe about this time every year. Guess of the choices, I’m looking to creating a vibe that allows me to thrive while being alive.

My colleague Jake Poinier has written an interesting post about alternatives to New Year’s resolutions – with which I heartily concur. I’ve never been a fan of the end-of-year promises to change every aspect of our lives we deem in need of repair, improvement, or completion. The past few years, I’ve been opting instead to choose ONE WORD – more of a concept, really – on which I will focus throughout the year. Recent words have been peace, gratitude, and follow-through.

I read an interesting post yesterday on the Inc.com website from Lolly Daskal, President and CEO of Lead from Within: 6 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Daily. Damn are these good! If you’re looking for a way to shift your writing, book marketing, business, or life as we herald the new year, you probably can’t go wrong by starting with these questions. Daily.

1. Did I work toward my goals today?

2. What bad habits do I need to release?

3. What motivated me today?

4. Have I been the kind of person I want to be?

5. What mistakes did I make today, and what can I learn from them?

6. For what am I grateful today?

And if these questions don’t exactly work for you, why not write a few of your own?

Others I might suggest include:

7. Who did I help today?

8. Who did I connect today?

9. Did I visualize myself achieving my goals today?

10. Did I meditate or take even 10 minutes of silent time?

11. Did I speak kindly to myself – and others – today?

12. Did I forgive myself – and others – today?

Here’s to asking the right questions – and getting the answers that will propel us to reach all of our goals in 2015!

Laura

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We welcome and encourage your thoughtful, courteous comments below.

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2015 is RIGHT around the corner — are  you READY? If you haven’t begun mapping out your book marketing efforts for the New Year, it’s time to get started! Sit down with Laura – in person or via Skype – and review your book marketing plan. We’ll evaluate: what’s working, what isn’t working, and which new strategies you may want to implement for the new year (or your newest book). Regularly $150 for a 45-minute session. Marcie Brock special: $99 for the first five who respond. mktg@WriteMarketDesign.com

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