Looking Forward

It’s amazing to see how the paradigm shifts after an arbitrary date.

At the end of December, there were too many “Best of” and “A look back on” the previous decade stories to count. I tried to be forward looking; it appears I was ahead of my time. The tide turned, and some people are doing some rally brilliant things relating to moving forward, making headway. Here are a few I thought were worth sharing:

Mark Dykeman, always a source of poignant points, ambitiously aggregated a massive dose of advice a few days ago about “How to do work better in 2010” – and, I have to admit, I’m busting at the seams with glee that I made the cut. I’m about halfway down, somewhere between Seth Godin and Chris Brogan (though that sounds intensely high-handed) – absolutely worth a look, very snackable and, to the point, useful perspective. Some god action in the comments, too.

The always pragmatic Justin Kownacki put together a list of “10 tips for making new year’s resolutions you might actually keep” as a reminder to keep doing what you’re doing and improve my increments in a way that is consistent with your own highest good. Number five on the list is my favorite.

The world’s Strongest Librarian, Josh Hanagarne, shot for a goal a bit too early in the year. But we’re all sure he’ll keep after it; more proof that this is a “perseverance” year.

On the design side, The UX Booth has an interesting post from David Leggett about resolutions for bloggers which should deffinately be listened to. Especially for those of us working at creating a better in-site experience for our readers – especially with what Google has in store for SEO in the next little while.

There are a number of great posts detailing action words for the year. Chris Brogan had his Three Words up a few days ago, and Amber Naslund at the Altitude Branding blog did a Four Words post in the same vein. I like the idea – I’m not doing it this year, but might consider it for 2011.

Yes, I’m looking that far ahead. Are you? Why not?

Stay connected!

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  • http://broadcasting-brain.com Mark Dykeman

    Why not indeed? I'm really starting to buy into the wisdom of 5 year or even 10 year plans. I don't actually have one, per se, but I can see some value as long as it isn't too rigid.

    • http://ianmrountree.com Ian M Rountree

      Prediction doesn't get along well with rigidity, does it? I think there's something about planning that really works well for people, sort of the same way prophecy can become self-fulfilling. Even small prompts can become guiding hands, given the right focus and environment.

  • http://broadcasting-brain.com Mark Dykeman

    Why not indeed? I'm really starting to buy into the wisdom of 5 year or even 10 year plans. I don't actually have one, per se, but I can see some value as long as it isn't too rigid.

  • http://ianmrountree.com Ian M Rountree

    Prediction doesn't get along well with rigidity, does it? I think there's something about planning that really works well for people, sort of the same way prophecy can become self-fulfilling. Even small prompts can become guiding hands, given the right focus and environment.

  • http://thoroughlymodernsusan.blogspot.com/ Modern Susan

    Congrats on making Mark's list! You are carving a niche for yourself. Glad that I can occasionally still hand you the whetstone from time to time. :) Looking forward to future deliberations / collaborations / hallucinations / explorations !

    • http://ianmrountree.com Ian M Rountree

      Thanks! At his inspiration, I'm considering a crowdsourced blog series as well – it's awesome to have perspective.

      WWhen this month is over, we need to talk a bit about those collaborations!

  • modernsusan

    Congrats on making Mark's list! You are carving a niche for yourself. Glad that I can occasionally still hand you the whetstone from time to time. :) Looking forward to future deliberations / collaborations / hallucinations / explorations !

  • http://thoroughlymodernsusan.blogspot.com/ Modern Susan

    Congrats on making Mark's list! You are carving a niche for yourself. Glad that I can occasionally still hand you the whetstone from time to time. :) Looking forward to future deliberations / collaborations / hallucinations / explorations !

  • http://ianmrountree.com Ian M Rountree

    Thanks! At his inspiration, I'm considering a crowdsourced blog series as well – it's awesome to have perspective.

    WWhen this month is over, we need to talk a bit about those collaborations!

  • http://ianmrountree.com Ian M Rountree

    Thanks! At his inspiration, I'm considering a crowdsourced blog series as well – it's awesome to have perspective.

    WWhen this month is over, we need to talk a bit about those collaborations!