The end of a year is an exciting time but for many, it can be filled with a whisper of anxiety. We look ahead to 2007 and wonder, what will the new year bring? What did I do in 2006 that brought me closer to my goals and what goals did I actually reach? And then the perilous question: Why haven’t I made more progress?

If you’re feeling this way you’re certainly not alone. The end of one year is a great time to reassess your goals but often, that’s where it stops. Many times fear keeps us (and our books) rooted in the same place we found ourselves on January 1, 2006. This year, I encourage you to take a leap, whatever that leap might be. Just close your eyes and jump, knowing that wherever you land will be perfect. Take a chance, a risk, make a bold move. Even if it’s just one. It’s a new year and a new start. Don’t look back over 2006 and wonder: what on earth have I done and where did the time go? Realize that every step you made, even if it was a wrong one, somehow led to you getting closer to whatever you set out to do.

For me both personally and professionally, 2006 has been a year of enormous change and growth. And while not all of it was easy, it’s led me to good things. No, scratch that. It’s led to great things. I love what I do and I’m fortunate to do what I love every day of my life. But had I not taken a leap every chance I got, I truly believe I would not be where I am today. Trust that you can, and then, leap.

And finally, one last thought for the year, excerpted from Jac Flanders’ book: What I Learned on the Way Down:

“Not knowing what’s coming next is the new year’s secret ingredient. What’s next for us? We can’t imagine so we party, usually the biggest and loudest of the year. We cover our anxiety with a lover’s kiss at the stroke of midnight, blow paper fizzy things at each other and drink champagne. We wish each other luck and leap into the new year like base jumpers or sky divers, not knowing for sure who packed the chute. As the televised thousands cheer in Times Square and the ball of crystal lights blazes overhead, we look anxiously for someone to hold onto, someone we trust, someone who loves us, and we close our eyes and pray for a gentle landing… ”

Wishing you all a gentle landing and many happy days ahead,

Penny, Paula, Nancy, Brenda, Corie and the entire staff at Author Marketing Experts, Inc