My official 2009 begins today, so I will close out the chapter of 2008 and fine tune the plan for 2009. I did something unconventional (for my own slightly risk-averse perspective) but absolutely necessary in 2008. After moving to a new city where there are fewer professional opportunities and a new daughter to raise, I gave up the security of a stable job for a the opportunity to start a new path. I started the foundations of new businesses without the synergies and revenues to make it easy. I had inspiration. I closed the last page of Tim Ferris’, The 4-Hour Workweek and turned in my resignation letter with only these 4 objectives.
- Continuous Value Contribution: To find the opportunities to invest my full energy in creating prosperity, satisfaction and opportunity for clients, partners and customers – simple as that.
- Continuous Personal Development: Becoming a father made me realize how much responsibility I have in the person that my daughter will become and how much I have to learn. There aren’t very good road maps to show you the best way to be a good parent. All you can do is continuously prepare for change. Professionally, this would mean a relentless dedication to maintaining and indulging curiosity and the practice of personal investments in developing knowledge and networks.
- Leverage Risk with Collaboration: I believed that the more I wanted to succeed and create greater opportunities, the more it would require the cooperation of other people. I would seek out partners that thrive on the spirit of creating and take small pieces of more pies. People will always be my most rewarding investment.
- Make time my most valuable asset: I realized that there is no worse feeling than choosing to waste your time and no more valuable contribution. I would have more time and greater flexibility to invest in business opportunities and make better choices. I would be extremely focused on the opportunity cost of each venture – as a business person, husband and father. Saying no, would be just as important as saying yes.