I know some people think they are sappy, but I love New Year's resolutions. It's a great time for me to reflect on the path I am taking and whether it is still taking me to my desired destination.  I use Mindjet Mindmanager Pro software to mind map my projects (both personal and professional) at the beginning of each year. If you have never used mind mapping as a tool to collect and organize your thoughts, I highly recommend that you consider it. While traditional mind maps are hand done on huge pieces of paper, I love this easy to use version for my PC. I use the built-in markers to prioritize each of my projects and usually check my digital mind maps several times throughout the year to verify that I am still on track with my goals. Like many resolutions, some are left behind as more important ones take their place.

After spending time in refining my goals, the next step is to distill them into action steps. Mindmanager is great for planning, but not for execution. I continue to use ACT to manage my time and schedule my tasks. I've been using it since the DOS days to keep track of our clients and prospects. Every now and then I check out the market for alternatives, but still find that ACT is the best product in its category. (I try to be ever mindful of the marketplace as we used to support WordPerfect and I certainly don't want to go there again.) For now, I am very committed to this product. Since I am still on Sage's ACT Advisory Board and a member of the Product Advisory Council, I can see some really great things in store for ACT users. I love the direction this product is going.

Happy New Year