Over the holidays, I read a book, digital cover to digital cover in just two sittings. If you know me, you know this is by far the fastest I have every read a book. I started it on our plane ride out to Utah (read more about our trip here) and finished it on our way back home.
"The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann is a simple story about a powerful business strategy: giving. The story shares five "Laws of Stratospheric Success," all relating back to these key ideas: add value, serve others, give of yourself, and make an impact. I loved the entrepreneurial spirit in this book and it's positive message about giving.
Here are a few of my notes:
Authentic. Formally defined as genuine, trustworthy, reliable, honest, and truthful.
In teaching, in collaborating, in my professional interactions, and in my personal life, I want to be authentic. This is part of my commitment to excellence and being the best I can be.
I want to be GENUINE, my true self. I want to be TRUSTWORTHY and HONEST in the way I present myself and in the way I deal with people. I want to be RELIABLE by following through with what I say, being true to my commitments, and being responsible with my time. I want to stand behind my word and be TRUTHFUL in communication and action.
Maybe you’ve seen the quote circulating the blog/Pinterest world – “If you’re your authentic self, you have no competition.” – Scott Stratten/@Unmarketing. Go out there and be your smart, successful, witty, personable, genuine, authentic self.
After three years of doing my own taxes, you'd think I'd have this figured out by now.
My biggest problem seems to be staying organized during the year.
save receipts
keep pay stubs
collect statements of various accounts
record mileage
keep track of self-employment income
It's bigger things — professional development, health receipts, donations, gig money, and business expenses (phone, internet, etc.). Having W-2s, 1099s, and self employment from two different states doesn't help.
After a full Saturday of sorting papers, crunching numbers, and cursing the software that kept "not responding" (without real curse words, of course), I completed my federal return and two state returns.
I wasn't quite ready to file them, however. I like to wait until Steve does his taxes so I can correct my mistakes. "Did you answer 'yes' to question #43?" He asked. "Yes," I answer, tentatively. "You shouldn't have." He says, then explaining the rationale. By the time I get back to my taxes a few days later, I have a list of things to correct. Sounds pretty foolproof, right?
I am happy to report that as of this weekend, I have filed my federal return and one state. I will mail in my MA return this week.
Maybe next year I will avoid this hassle and buy myself the luxury of a real accountant!
