This time last January I was choosing three words to guide me through the year. I thought about them a lot (and wrote about them several times) in 2010. Last week I was finalizing my new list of three words when I realized there was just one that would cover all of what I want to accomplish in 2011. This year, Bob’s the word.

If you’ve seen What About Bob? you will think I’m crazy to let Bob Wiley guide my life and business, but trust me, there really are a few important lessons to be learned from him. (And if you haven’t seen What About Bob?…oh my gosh, see What About Bob?!!!)

“Baby Steps”
When Dr. Marvin shares his new book Baby Steps with Bob, he explains what the title is referring to: “It means setting small, reasonable goals for yourself. One day at a time, one tiny step at a time — do-able, accomplishable goals.” Bob is so paralyzed by his phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviors that he finds even baby steps challenging. Of course I don’t have Bob’s issues, but I often feel overwhelmed by all of the things I want to do and try. So this year when I feel like I don’t even know where to start, I’ll remember what Bob said: “Baby steps to the elevator.” One tiny step at a time will get everything done.

“As long as I’m in my apartment, I’m okay…But when I have to go out, I get… weird.”
While we’re in therapy mode, I’ll confess: I’m a workaholic. And kind of a hermit. Those two things together mean that “social” to me has largely been “social media” for the last year or so. I love Twitter and Facebook and I’ve really enjoyed making new friends online. I plan to continue, but I’m pretty sure social media should never take the place of a real social life. So I’m taking my cue from Bob, who fights his fear of germs (and Tourette’s Syndrome) long enough to make real connections with Dr. Marvin’s family. (And, okay, I don’t actually get “weird” when I have to go out, but my rusty social skills could use some work, so I’m looking forward to more dinner and movie nights this coming year!)

“I’m a Sailor. I sail now.”

Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough training, education, or experience to do something that you really wanted to do? I have that feeling almost every day. I’m learning constantly but there are always new things to learn and never enough time to do everything as “perfectly” as I’d like to. So Bob’s sailing experience reminds me that sometimes you just need to tie yourself to the mast and call yourself a sailor. As Bob said, “I never actually thought I could do this. I never thought this could be me!”

So that’s what I’m thinking about for 2011: Baby steps. Social time. And “sailing”. What about you? Do you have any resolutions or words for the New Year? Please share!!