Baselines, benchmarks, first days are remembered. There is so often celebration and fanfare. And so begins a new year, 2009. I always get kind of nostalgic and a bit stressed realizing that time is passing and moving exceedingly fast! I also always feel excited and hopeful for the prospect of a new beginning.

This morning I got up early, as usual, went over to Dutch Bros. coffee and got a large regular with cream and sugar. I’ve spent the rest of this morning reading. I found a very thought provoking article, recommended by Chris Connelly whom I follow on Twitter.

Your 3 Goals for 2009 was written by Chris Brogan. A few years ago, he decided to try to set goals for the year more effectively. He describes it like this:

If you want to try the process, it works something like this: think of how you want to be successful in 2009. Then, try to think in even broader terms. Extrapolate on the broader terms, and find one word to hang the idea on.

What a cool idea. As I think about three words that encompass this year’s opportunities and challenges, I’ve come up with these for me in 2009:

Genuine, Listen, Clarity.

I will let you in on the thinking behind them later. Read his article and as you begin 2009 today, I encourage you to start with your own three words. Looking forward to what 2009 has to bring for me and you.

Feel free to share your words. Which describe your coming year’s focus?