Have you ever received little signs, little promptings that  what you want is truly your life and business purpose?  But maybe you hesitate to take big leaps because it means huge changes.  Your passion runs  deep so you want to get it right.

At the age of eight it was clear I was meant to be a writer.  In third grade, I got a book report back with an A++ and two gold stars on it.  I knew I loved writing, but it was a defining moment.  Yes, even for a girl of eight.

As a nurse, my Mom wanted me to be a physical therapist.  I’ll never forget what a good friend told me, “Physical therapy is fine, if that’s what you want.  But when you talk about writing – your eyes light up.”  I dropped physical therapy as a career choice like a hot potato.

I became an advertising copywriter out of college. I did Public Relations which required writing skills. Then, when I purchased my first business, I strayed from what I loved for quite a few years.

When I moved from Michigan to San Diego, I returned to those roots:  I decided on purpose to occupy my life and found clients and did ad copywriting again, wrote business plans, articles and PR stuff.  Still do. Writing helped me create leverage and pay some bills. Mentoring other business owners on how to promote their businesses took on new significance.  Finally, a few years after moving to Las Vegas I wrote the business bestseller, “Testosterone-Free Marketing.”

Writing is now part of my daily activities to market my services as a marketing mentor, trainer and speaker.  However, in 2012 I long to return to the writing that changes hearts and helps people change their lives in positive ways. After all, your business growth doesn’t happen any faster than your personal growth.

Think about what you want to create in 2012 with your business and your life. Consider what brings you passion and joy.  Often there are surprising ways to monetize what you do with ease that’s a challenge for others. Or, you may need to make a few tweaks to the business you already have to make it far more satisfying and financially prosperous.  You may have to get creative.  Making a small investment in the resources to help you open up to new possibilities can be money well spent.  What would it mean to occupy your own life?

Once you’ve thought about what you want to create in 2012, you’re ready to sit down and write your goals. Shake things up by going someplace opulent and full of possibilities.  Three favorites of mine:  the JW Marriott close to Boca Park, Leone Café at Tivoli Village, and, the Loews Lake Las Vegas.  Buy a cuppa something you’ll enjoy sipping for a couple hours and sit someplace and write – on a tablet, in a journal, or, whatever suits you.

Chances are, you’ll increase your income this year and so will I.  It’s important, but only to a point.  People get infected with the disease of more, more, more when they are doing well financially. Money becomes a substitute that we believe we want more of when you honestly might be happier with the same amount of money and more freedom, more creativity and more balance. Money certainly solves problems, but it also can become a way to simply keep score without providing more contentment and joy because you haven’t built those qualitative improvements into your goals. Or, maybe you are doing what you love but the money hasn’t followed yet. Once you master the essentials financially, quality of life brings true wealth.

Writing makes me feel 100 percent prosperous and successful.  I’ve never been a “starving artist.”  My income allows me financial freedom while living my passion.  My husband and I travel, save for the future, enjoy our home and buy a few indulgences along the way. It doesn’t matter that there are no Rolexes or Louis Vuitton matched luggage sets in my life.

Consider the possibility there is a way to make your passion into a successful business.  Or, if you have already started the business – now may be time to make it successful.  You can occupy your own life – and do it now.

So, set goals in all facets of your life.  Yes, of course, set business and financial goals.  But set goals in health and fitness, goals for your most important relationships, and, for your intellectual growth – read more books, take classes, or, attend a workshop.  And if there’s a piece inside you that yearns for deeper meaning, setting spiritual goals may have value for you.

What are you aching to do that would make your life complete even if you didn’t become a millionaire? What steps can you take in 2012 to help make it your best year ever?  Let’s be honest – the economy will keep going two steps up and one step down for most of the year.  Put your energy and passion into efforts that will bring you more joy and more prosperity.

We’re proud our Premiere Sponsor for “Occupy Your Life… NOW!”  is In-Touch Credit Union.   A credit union is a great  alternative to banks for small business owners.  For more information about In-Touch Credit Union click here now.  In-Touch will have a table at our Opening Ceremonies on Thursday January 26th.  They are also graciously providing the refreshments for the event.  Thank you, In-Touch.

Denise Michaels is author of the business bestseller, “Testosterone-free Marketing” and a Las Vegas-based marketing mentor to thousands of clients internationally over the last decade.  January 26-28^th Denise will be conducting “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” a workshop experience with author Stacey Hall to help business owners dump what no longer works and learn what does work in an age of ever-accelerating change.  Discover more about “Occupy Your Life… NOW!” at http://www.DeniseMichaels.com/seminar/