"Reduce your workload by 30% and increase your fun load by 30% and you will increase your revenues by 100%. More fun, less struggle -- more results on all fronts."
-- Abraham-Hicks

That sounds good to me. How about you?

Here are 10 areas to include when you do your planning for 2009.

1. Get to know yourself

Actually, I have a confession to make. I have been accused of being a control freak. I was surprised when some friends and family members all agreed to this. It's not how I see myself at all. Do you ever have that happen-someone shares how they see you and it isn't at all your own self-perception? It's good to check in by asking others what they see as your strengths (this is much more fun and ultimately more helpful than asking for the negatives!).

As part of the work we do in my annual business planning retreat, participants are asked to send at least 10 letters or emails to folks that know them pretty well to ask a few questions so they can get a sense of what people appreciate about them (that's always nice to know, isn't it?) and what they see as their unique strengths. Some traits will be ones you already know but some might surprise you. Use this information as you do your business planning to see how you can EXPAND the things you already do well.

2. Make some lists

My good friend Dr. Philip Humbert has a great, free tool called Goals-Setting 101^TM. He also has a wonderful weekly newsletter. Check him out, I think you'll enjoy this thinking.

3. Schedule the time

Yes, I KNOW you already don't have enough time. Or, maybe your one of the smart ones who has taken control here. Time Blocking is your tool to ensuring the important stuff gets done. It can move you from busy to effective. Put everything on the calendar. Yesterday I was speaking with one of my clients who had a goal to exercise this week. I asked her specifically when? You see, until it is on the calendar, the chances of you actually saying to yourself, "Ah, this is the perfect time to (fill in the blank-exercise,prospect,learn some technology)" are slim to none. But if you have it scheduled on the calendar for Thursday at 10-you just do it! Become like Nike! My favorite book on this subject is by David Allen, Getting Things Done .

4. Give Up The Unessential

Each year I look at what I am not enjoying any more or what I should give to someone else. Life is too short to perfect your weaknesses! Let someone else use their strengths to do the things you should not be spending your time on. Get a virtual assistant (or two) or here's a site to help with just about anything. As you plan 2009, step back and question EVERYTHING you are doing. Do LESS and you'll achieve MORE (reread the quote that I began with!)

5. Say No

This probably falls within that control freak category I (and maybe you) know so well. I have learned I am NOT the only one who can do what needs to be done and more enlightening, my way isn't necessarily the ONLY way or the BEST way! Say yes only to the things that make your heart sing! Note: They will still like you even if you say no. You can even be helpful and suggest who else they might ask. Practice this. No. No thanks. I'm flattered you asked, but I am not the person for this job. Say NO to the jerks who will turn into high maintenance whiners. Life is too short to work with jerks!

6. Look For The Opportunities

The rules have changed, along with the results for doing the same old thing. But then, you've noticed that, haven't you? What do the consumers you want to serve need right now? What are those needs accentuating that could lead to a new business model or a new way of serving the public. My friend, Mollie Wasserman, wrote the book Ripping The Roof Off Real Estate a couple of years ago and is one of the forces behind the Accredited Consultant in Real Estate - ACRE Designation. Read the book. Sign up for the course *. It will give you an edge in this environment! (* Use the code win-win and save $25 on the course.)

7. Build Your Strategic Partner Network

Masterminding is a key concept that really came to the fore with Napoleon Hill's book, Think and Grow Rich. This is one of the back to basics ideas that always helps. Expand your network of others who are interested in the same demographic you are. Expand the number of positive people in your life. Expand the number of mentors you have. Expand the number of people you are mentoring. Join or start a BNI Group or a Red Hat Society.

Life is too short to play alone!

8. Focus Your Energy

Think about the power of the sun through a magnifying glass. Focused energy has power. I ask my coaching clients to identify the 3 most important things to do each day. Most people have a long to do list that isn't prioritized (if that doesn't describe you-congratulations!) By focusing on the 3 most important actions you could take, you leverage and increase the results instead of dissipating your energy in 20 directions. A corollary to this is to stop multi-tasking. You will actually be able to get better results when you aren't doing 2 or 3 things at once (and make fewer mistakes).

9. Be Radical

Seth Godin is one of my favorite authors. He is pretty irreverent about doing things with the pack. Here are a list of his FREE Ebooks that you can download:

Knock Knock,

Who's There,

Everyone's An Expert, and

The Bootstrapper's Bible.

Remember, Warren Buffet sells his stocks when others are buying and buys when others are selling and it has served him quite well. The public doesn't value the things you do that they can get from anyone. They value how you are different. What are you doing to WOW ???? Don't be ordinary. Be Extraordinary.

10. Find Something To Be Happy About

Laugh a lot. Celebrate often. Just smiling increases the serotonin in your system and is a powerful anti-depressant. When you are stressed: Stop. Take a few deep breaths and try smiling for a minute!

End your days by writing 5 things that went well today or that you are grateful for. The more time you direct your mind to what you have and what IS working, the more powerfully you'll attract more of that. The Law of Attraction does work and is simple (but some of the time not easy-be vigilant with letting go and/or redirecting the thoughts of lack or negativity). My Relax and Attract course would be a great way to end the year and get your thinking going with the flow for 2009.

Published: December 2, 2008

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Joeann Fossland ePRO, GRI, MCC, PMN, SRS is a dynamic speaker and business coach. Co-creator of THE REAL ESTATE GAME® and NoBloggerLeftBehind.com, she provides coaching solutions to enhance your effectiveness and life balance. You can subscribe to her free weekly tips, attend free monthly tele-seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting Joeann.com or email her at .