Dream Merchant, 2309 Torrance Blvd. #104, Torrance, CA 90501 (310) 328-1925, email: jkm316@aol.com

 

The Editor's Desk..... With Mike Foley

A NEW YOU

Now that we're about a month into the new year, we at the Dream Merchant began wondering how many of our readers had set new goals or resolutions for 2004. Many inventors and small business owners take that step each year, resolving to take new steps in reaching potential customers, creating new prototypes, or improving existing products. In pointing toward success, these steps are always important, offering a recommitment to your dreams and goals.

But a new year is not only about setting new goals or resolutions. It's also about creating a new YOU, strengthening the attributes you already possess, while also establishing new ones. So now that you have some idea what you'd like to accomplish in 2004, it's time to take a look at yourself. Begin evaluating your personal strengths in the following areas:

* Attitude--Can you remain positive, even when things aren't going well? Can you see that even the setbacks you suffer can bring you closer to your goals? If not, begin reading inspirational materials, especially those written by and about inventors and business people. You'll soon see that they all faced the same issues you're facing and you'll begin collecting possible approaches for dealing with those issues.

* Time--Are you managing your time well? Do you create regular, focused time to work on your business or new product? Or do you allow yourself to be distracted by phone calls, television or the Internet? Time is your greatest ally in developing products or starting a new business. Create regular time for your projects and defend that time against all distractions.

* Openness--Are you often frustrated by projects that stall or design problems that seem insurmountable. Quite often, your openness to new ideas and creative approaches may be the very thing that prevents such frustration. Learn to "think outside the box" and consider new ideas from close friends or associates. The problems you're facing may not be as insurmountable as you think.

Be honest as you evaluate each of these areas. Assessing your strengths and using them to further your goals may be the most important step you take at the beginning of each year.

Best of luck with your great ideas.

Mike Foley
Editor

      

         

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