Erma Bombeck is my New Year’s inspiration?

 A few weeks ago, Lewis Green wrote a post about his commitments for '09.  He challenged a handful of us to do the same.

I've been ruminating on it since then because I don't hold a lot of stock in resolutions.  A resolution is a "I'm going to try to…." which almost always results in a week long or month long effort…and then back to the old bad habit.  Typically, resolutions are just wishful thinking.

But a commitment feels more solid.  It's a promise, not a wish.  And so, rising to Lew's challenge…here's my commitment for '09 inspired by all people, Erma Bombeck.

What does that actually mean for me in '09?  In a nutshell, it means serving/helping/teaching as many people as I can, both in person and through technology. 

But specifically in my work world, it will mean:

• Keeping this blog laser focused on helping business leaders market and brand their business better and smarter
• Continue to travel the country, speaking at conferences and conventions
• Launching a teleconference series that will allow readers to listen, learn and ask questions about marketing and branding
• Introduce a new way for businesses to interact with me and build their own marketing program (more on this in early '09)
• Look for more collaborative projects like Age of Conversation and Bloggers Social that give all of us a chance to learn from each other

And specifically for my soul, it will mean:

• Being present and in tune with my family and friends
• Continuing to be available to speak to college classes
• Continuing my service to the non-profit boards I'm fortunate enough to be on
• Giving myself permission to slow down and find an oasis to soak up now and then
• Remembering that laughter, music and solitude are not wants, they're needs

How about you…what commitment are you making to the new year and yourself?