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3 Words for 2012

Resolutions are pointless. You set them and never achieve them. You have the best intentions, but that is not enough.

Goals and rituals have a higher chance of success both in the short and the long term. That is where I like to focus my energy.

I also like the idea from Chris Brogan of selecting three words that become themes for the year to follow. Last year I chose Create, Inspire and Teach and the year before that they were Simplify, Focus and Attack. Looking back, they were guiding themes for each year and continue forward as constants in my life.

This year I had a harder time choosing because I don’t take these lightly, but I’m happy with what I came up with.

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Social Photography

Yesterday I finished my edits for the paperback edition of Content Rules (coming out in the spring) and while I didn’t have that many major additions, the one I knew in my heart I had to add was to the chapter on photography to add in what we called Social Photography.

The overall concept is that we all have a camera in our pocket when we leave the house with a smart phone.

As you can see in the photo, I use several different camera applications to take, post process and share when out and about. This instant sharing is where the power of social photography comes in to play and I firmly believe that it is changing the world of photography.

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Looking Back at 2011

2011 was a major year for me. I know that years from now when I look back it will be one of those years where I can see that so much changed in my life.

Of course the main reason for this was the success of Content Rules. It hit numerous best seller lists on Amazon and in Inc Magazine.

Ann and I traveled around North America (and a quick jump to The Netherlands for me) talking about the book and the rising importance of content for everyone. According to TripIt I traveled a total of 77,833 miles and visited 31 different cities this year.

I met so many amazing people, visited amazing new cities and the opening doors of opportunities are still showing themselves even this morning.

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The Final Week of the Year

It is the final week of 2011 and in a few short days we will flip the calendars to a whole new year. You’ll read plenty of posts predicting what the year holds and while I could do that, I have no interest.

I do want to share with you the final episode of my podcast for the year. It is an important one to me because I shared a bit of big news from my world and also recapped several different things going on with me right now. I hope you’ll give it a listen.

If there is any advice I can give you on how to spend this week it would be to enjoy the downtime with your family and friends. Get outside and play. Do whatever it is the kids want to do while they are on vacation. Take a few quiet moments to jot down your thoughts and goals for the new year. Watch movies, cook big meals, laugh, play and enjoy your time.

See you in 2012.

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Awaken to a Free Ebook

My good friend Chris Penn went on the trip of a lifetime earlier this year and asked myself and several other friends to write posts for his site while he was away.

When a friend asks for help, you always say yes.

Chris, being the good guy that he is, has taken all of those posts and assembled them in to a free ebook called Awaken Your Superhero. Download now for Kindle, Nook/iBooks or as a PDF.

I’m honored to be part of this along side a slew of people that I not only respect, but that I also get to call my friends.

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Content is Everywhere

Last week before I spoke to a sold out crowd in Rotterdam, Jody Koehler of Coopr sat down to interview me.

I talked about how I firmly believe every company, organization and individual has a story to tell and that content is how you tell that story to the world.

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Another Year Older

Today I turn 38 years old and as I usually do I snapped a quick photo for random memory sake.

I’ve just returned home from speaking in Rotterdam and playing in Amsterdam. It was a trip full of inspiration and fun, but I’m glad to be back.

Looking at this photo tells me I’m more tired than I feel right now. I’m sure the jet lag is waiting to set in at any time.

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Highlights From An Evening With C.C. Chapman

Last night I spoke to a full house in Rotterdam and had the chance to meet a lot of great people.

I owe a big thank you to the team at Coopr for bringing me over. The hospitality they have shown me while here has been amazing. They are a great group of people doing good work for their clients. I hope I see them again.

Here is a video they put together from my speech. I’m making a note not to say “right” so much in the future. *grin*

I’ve still got one more day in Amsterdam. I’m planning on making the most of it!

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Rotterdam – Through My Lens

I’m in Rotterdam at the moment. I’m here for An Evening With C.C. Chapman. (Which is still weird every time I see it or type it.)

Yesterday, after arriving I wanted to stay up all day so that I could help my body adjust to the 6 hour time difference so I do what I do in any city and set off walking around with my camera.

I’ll be doing a full travel journal of my trip when I return, but I wanted to share some photos. Full set here.

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The Mixed Feelings of Travel

I’ve come to accept that being on the road and away from my family is part of my life. As an author, speaker and consultant I’ve got to get on a plane or train quite often to get to the people who are paying me for my services.

I also have an uncurable case of wanderlust, that makes me want to experience everything the world has to offer and meet as many great people as possible during my time here.

But, the truth is every night before I leave on a trip I get a little down and sad because it means another set of days that I won’t be at home with my family where I am most happy.

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