7 Ways to Make 2016 Your Year

Whether or not you make New Year’s resolutions, this is a great time to take on new projects and lay out your goals for the year. Here’s some inspiration to make sure that 2016 is everything you hope it will be.

1. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

Have you ever heard this expression? It doesn’t work as well if most of your job is behind a computer and people can’t tell if you’re in a suit or your pj’s.

But the principle still applies. Look the part. Build the awesome website. Hire the great team to represent you. Write and speak like a business mogul if you want to become one.

2. Stand up and take what’s yours.

Don’t wait for permission. If you know what you want, get started on it. Don’t wait for someone to tell you it’s a good idea or calm the “what if’s” in your head.

3. Aim for transparency.

You know what a lot of rising companies have in common? They are surprisingly transparent. Open up and tell your fears. Let people in on how your business works. Don’t shy away from your weaknesses. Potential clients respect your honesty.

4. Embrace doubt.

Fears and doubts go hand in hand with stepping your game up. If you’re not doubting, you’re not growing.

5. Seek inspiration away from technology.

Do any of your best ideas come while you’re scrolling through Facebook? It’s great to stay connected, but you’re not going to do really the important work that only you can do while you’re on your phone. Take time away to do things that inspire you.

6. Don’t get caught up in expert advice.

So many voices out there tell you to do more, work smarter, take this approach instead of that, and so on. That’s great, but it doesn’t matter what the experts say if you are trusting your instincts. Advice is best taken with a grain of salt.

7. Keep going.

Putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to get where you’re trying to go. In fact, it’s hard not to get somewhere if you just keep moving.