Forecast 2009: 25

1. Things will be tough.
2. However, you will be tougher (1).
3. A lot of people will say a lot of stupid things.
4. Some of those people – shockingly -  will be world leaders who will miss the point, the mark and the delivery date.
5. However, you will be smarter, more creative and with an absolute commitment to JFDI (2).
6. Many will talk about the ‘shrinking pie’.
7. A minority will talk (only) about ‘see it as an opportunity’.
8. You will both create your own pie, grab the opportunities and ‘walk the talk’. (3)
9. Much will out of your control: the weather, global economics and the  selection for the basket-ball team.
10. You’re OK with that: you’ll manage what you can: you, your attitude and your hair-cut. (4)
11. There’ll be some sweaty times: tricky cash-flow, mortgage headaches and the odd flat-tyre. And dealing with the guy in customer service who simply doesn’t get it.
12. However, you’ll sweat it. Easy. (5)
13. Most will continue as ever: just hoping.
14. You’ll hope but you’ll also be forever learning. (6)
15. Most will continue as ever: same old, same old.
16. You’ll use the best of the old, but add difference. (7)
17. And passion. (8)
18. You will lead your family, your team and in your own community through example. (9)
19. You’ll finally give up on trying to get more time. You don’t need more time-just better choices (10) which you can easily make when you are the
20. Best version of you by simply allowing it: more being and less doing. More walks, less e-mail and key-boarding. More inspiring literature, mountains, seashores, football in the park with the kids, home-baked bread, discovering new music…. and less hanging around complaining by the water-cooler with the guys from product marketing. (11).
21. 2009 will be the year of the Five Ps. Persistence.  Pragmatism. Pareto. Pencil. And Paper. It’ll be all you need. Absolutely all you need. (12).
22. 2009 is the year when you will encourage others: your team, your kids. And the guy who sells The Big Issue. Oh, and the struggling trainee barista at your local Starbucks. Smile: it’ll be OK. (13)
23. 2009 will be a year of walk not talk. Give not take. Thank not judge. Learn not blame. (14).
24. 2009 is going to be a very cool year.
25. Bring it on.

I wish you all the very best for 2009.

Note: each of the twelve numbered points e.g. ...you will be tougher (1)...will be clarified with ideas and action over the next twelve days. This - if you wish - will give you a simple plan for making 2009 your best year ever.