How to Make 2005 Your Best Creative Year Yet

While at the public library last week, a U.S. News & World Report magazine cover jumped out at me. The large typeface screamed "50 Ways to Improve Your Life in 2005." I picked it up, thumbed through a few pages and was so impressed I immediately headed to the nearest bookstore to buy a copy. Luckily, the entire issue (Dec. 27 - Jan. 3) is posted online.

The 52-page section covers practically everything a human can do to live, work and play better. From setting priorities and learning to meditate to quitting your job and listening to new music. There are even sections on why you're better off when you fix your finances, master your data and have more sex. Sounds like a good plan to me.

This is a great time of year to make a new committment to self-improvement -- which includes developing and sharing your creative talents. Even though most people reportedly bail on their goals within a month or two, you don't have to count yourself among the majority. Be bold. Be different. Become a lean, mean creativity machine in 2005!

For some excellent thoughts along these lines, take a look at Michael Port's ThinkBIG Manifesto. Here are two favorite excerpts from it:

Stop Seeking Validation From Others. Acknowledge your needs and desires, not your mother’s, friends', co-workers', society’s, etc. Stop seeking validation from or comparing yourself to others.

Embrace the Power of Intention. Your present intentions create your present reality. If you want to change your reality, change and strengthen your intentions.

If you haven't read it before, this might be a good time to check out 10 Ways to 'Make' This Your Best Music Year Ever, an article I wrote a year ago. It's filled with some timeless success concepts, whether you are a musician or not. (Sorry, I haven't yet updated this page with the new design of my site.)

Also, are you taking advantage of January? This is a month when a lot of people make purchases -- books, music, art and more. Your fans have Christmas money to spend, they may be getting cabin fever in winter and need a little boost to spice up their lives.

What should you do? Promote yourself more vigorously this month. Make special offers. Have a limited-time discount sale. Offer free shipping. Announce a special buy-two, get-one-free sale. Do something cool. In fact, I'm doing this very thing this month with my own New Year's Buzz Bundles.

Your fans need something to keep them going now that the holidays are over. Why not help them with your unique creative gifts?