New Year Resolutions: How'd
You Do & What's New? Fess Up ...
December 29, 2010
 OK, time to think and tell. How'd you do with your 2010 New Year Resolutions? And what's on your mind for 2011? Please share in the COMMENTS below.
Veteran voice talent Tom Dheere starts with an exceptionally honest accounting of this.
Hmm ... can't remember all your resolutions? Well, if you were among the 21 talents who shared them with VoiceOverXtra this time last year, click here for a reminder!
By Tom Dheere
Voice Actor
December 29, 2010
 Like many of you, I was snowed in the other day, and I tried to be lazy but just couldn't help myself!
I did a bunch of "end of year" stuff. The most important part was reviewing my 2010 Action Plan and seeing how I did.
What would you like to hear first, the good news or the bad news? OK, bad news first...
THE BAD NEWS...
- I recorded far, far fewer auditions this year both online and in-person.
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My marketing efforts started out great but fizzled big time. I did not reach my overall contacts goal (not even close!).
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I took no classes, had no coaching, and read very few articles or books about the industry.
- I didn't cut any new demos nor did I improve the old ones. I should have produced either a promo demo or an imaging demo this year to expand my marketability.
- I fell off my diet and exercise routine and gained about 10 pounds. Yikes! Also, for years and years, I used to get sick exactly twice a year. This year I lost count.
- I did not finish writing the Project T.E.R.R.A science fiction screenplay, which means I didn't submit it to festivals or competitions.
THE GOOD NEWS ...
OK, here is the good news ...
WHAT'S IT MEAN?
Well, the fact that I made more money meant that I could reinvest more in my business, which is why I hit all of my materialistic goals.
However, I fell short of hitting most of the "Quadrant 2" goals (goals that are important but not time-sensitive).
I did have a lot less time this year to get anything done both professionally and personally for many reasons, most of which could not be helped.
AND WHAT'S AHEAD?
So, what did I learn in 2010?
1) Friends and family come first.
2) You can't take care of your friends and family if you don't take care of yourself first.
3) Find the balance!
End Quote:
The goals you set are not what make your life. It’s the pursuit of the goals that make your life. And the character you develop. And the wisdom you acquire. And the people you touch.
ABOUT TOM ...
Tom Dheere is a 14-year veteran of the voice over industry. He has narrated almost one thousand projects spanning every area of the industry, including commercials, audiobooks, and video games. His Good Karma Network (GKN) has an international following and has been the subject of numerous articles and features.
Email: tom@tomdheere.com
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Sounds like you had a banner year despite not reaching the "set goals." Roll them over to 2011 and keep plugging away. The positives outweigh the negatives here. And yes, taking care of yourself is tops. Without your health, you can't voice anything or take care of those you love.
Here's to finding balance in 2011. Ohmmm...
Amy Taylor:)
I must say I had a wonderful year in voice over, the best year ever out of the six years I've spent building my business. May you, yours, and all the talent who contribute to this great forum, have a very healthy, prosperous, and happy 2011.
-BP
Your honesty is appreciated here. But how did you do so well if your marketing efforts and training fizzled? Or maybe your marketing goal was too high to begin with?