Client Spotlight: Katie Burkhart is an essentialist thinker, author, and founder of MatterLogic, a company and system that redesigns the way we work and run our businesses so we can thrive in the value economy. An Authority Accelerator client, she wrote Trying to Do Everything Is Slowly Killing Your Business for Entrepreneur.

Good morning, my friend!

How has this year been, ? How are you preparing for the year ahead?

I don't buy into the whole new year, new you thing.

This time of year is difficult enough as it is. We certainly don't need to set ourselves up for failure by expecting to change who we are as soon as the clock strikes midnight on December 31!

I'm more of a new year, new calendar type.

That's not to say I don't plan. I do.

I keep my planning simple, achievable, and flexible. I focus on three types of goals (a catchall phrase that I use to talk about goals, objectives, and tasks because I've never been very good at distinguishing between the three):

1. Process goals are under my control. They include things like "write and publish an email newsletter every two weeks."

2. Performance goals rely on someone else to achieve them. They include things like "secure at least one speaking engagement each month."

3. Outcome goals are the things my process and performance goals are intended to deliver. They are defined by my revenue goals.

Once my plan is in place, I share it with a friend to get a reality check. I used to create incredibly detailed plans that were unrealistic, unsustainable, and unfocused because they included allthethings. Every year, I set myself up to fail.

These days, I focus on what matters most.

As a part of that process, I take time to declutter my digital world. I delete downloads, resources, and tools that no longer serve me. I cancel subscriptions and memberships that don't provide value. I unsubscribe from email newsletters I don't read (even if they are written by people I adore).

I invite you to join me.

If this newsletter doesn't serve you, protect your inbox and unsubscribe. (You know where to find me if you change your mind.)

But if you are interested in learning how to write articles for publication and use those articles to increase your visibility and build your authority, stay tuned! I'll be sharing a lot more articles and resources in 2024.

I'll be turning down the volume for the next two weeks.

This weekend, a dear friend and I will head to MASS MoCA, one of my favorite contemporary art museums. We'll then spend a few days reading, cooking, catching up, and just spending time together.

May you find time in the last few weeks of the year to rest so you can start the new year rejuvenated. Here's to a happy and healthy 2024!

* * *

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do

with your one wild and precious life?"

~ Mary Oliver, The Summer Day

* * *

Join the Conversation

Pitched to Published™ 

Interested in learning how to pitch, write, and publish articles for industry trade journals and high-visibility publications? Join me Wednesday, January 10 at 11:55 AM Eastern for a free mini-training on how writing articles for publication can increase your visibility, build your authority, and differentiate you from your peers, followed by a Q+A. Register here.

Webinar: How to Write for High-Visibility Publications 

Do you want to build your authority by writing for industry trade journals, association publications, or well-known business magazines? Join me and Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA) on Wednesday, January 17, at 1 PM Eastern for a free webinar and Q+A. You don't have to be a member to attend, but you will need to create a guest profile. Register here.

Workshop: How Writing Enhances Your Reputation 

Becoming a better writer makes you a deeper thinker, stronger communicator, and more effective consultant. Join me and the Society for Professional Consultants on Tuesday, February 13, at 3 PM Eastern for a free workshop. You don't have to be a member to attend, and there will be plenty of time for Q+A. Register here.

* * *

That's all for now! If you're interested in building your authority by sharing your perspective with an already-established audience, book a call. 

I'll see you next year!

Take good care,

P.S. Are you looking for guest experts? If you have a community of consultants, I'd love to show them how to develop their body of work or write for high-visibility publications like Harvard Business Review. Hit reply, and let's talk!