Stop Making Resolutions and Do Something

By Michael Drew - Dec 31 , 2008

I think New Years resolutions are twaddle. Happy talk for those who can’t quite muster up the gumption to take action. I mean, seriously – if you have the resolve to do a thing, do you really need an arbitrary reason for renewing your determination to do it? You either have it or you don’t. And if you don’t, that’s okay, just be realistic about it and stop kidding yourself. I have to think it only makes a person feel worse to keep repeating the same resolution year after year!

But if you do have the moxie to roll up your sleeves and get started (and I suspect most of you do), 2009 will be exciting. Technology and emerging media have leveled the playing field for unknown authors and there have never been more opportunities to find and connect with your target audience. So as we plunge another year deeper into our collective Civic-mindedness, here is some of what I’ve learned while helping a bestsellers list full of authors build relations with their publics.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. So you’re a lot closer to the ‘D’ list than the ‘A’ list. And you don’t have a best-selling platform like Seth Godin or Tom Brokaw. And your marketing budget limits the number of people you can reach and how often you can reach them. Okay. So get creative. Experiment with the unconventional. You’ve got enough resources to get out there and start making a name for yourself. You may not receive the instant gratification you crave, but with hard work it will come.

Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. Set big goals and never lose sight of your dreams. Do something every day to move yourself closer to where you want to be. But don’t alienate yourself as you begin to taste success. Hype and pretense are dying a painful death. Larger than life personalities are no longer attractive. People want to see the real you, flaws and all. Give them what they’re asking for. Be your personable and fun-loving self. Let them in and they’ll reward you for it.

Get action. Seize the moment. Man was never intended to become an oyster. Life should be an adventure, friends. Don’t waste your talent and passion watching it pass you by. The idea is to go to bed each night knowing you did what you could to make the day worthwhile.

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort. What are you going to achieve today? And what will you create? Happy New Year, gang. Let’s raise a glass to going out there and making it happen.

By the way, if the bold, italicized statements above look familiar, it’s because they’re all quotes from Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man who truly believed actions speak louder than words.

Questions about public relations that make a splash may be directed to Michael R. Drew at the Austin, Texas, headquarters of Promote A Book: 512-858-0040. You can also contact Michael via email at michael@promoteabook.com.