December 06
THE YEAR AHEAD - HOW TO MAKE IT THE BEST EVER.
The ending of one year and the beginning of a new one is a traditional time to reflect on the changes you want to make in your life. Unfortunately most New Year’s resolutions don’t last much longer than the average revelers hangover.
If you are ready to make some significant changes in your life, here are 7 steps to help you make and keep the type of resolutions that will make 2006 the best year yet.
First, look at where you are now. Write down some of the most important areas of your life.
- Key Relationships
- Career
- Health & Fitness
- Finances
- Fun & Adventure
- Learning & Growing
- Etc.
Second, rate on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high) your current level of fulfillment in these areas.
Third, ask yourself, “Which area, if focused on, could bring the most positive change into my life this year?” (It is OK to have a few focus areas, but since your time and energy is limited, don’t try to change everything at once.)
fourth,. Dream up a picture of yourself wildly successful in your chosen area one year down the road. For example, if you chose health, imagine yourself fit, energetic and vitally alive, able to do anything you want to. Once you have a picture in your mind, begin to imagine how it might make you feel. The goal here is to get a clear picture and a strong emotional connection to the desired state. The more this vision stirs or inspires, the easier it will be to take the daily actions to get there.
Fifth, once you have a strong vision of where you are heading, list the specific goals, actions or commitments you will take this week. The longest journeys start with a single step. If you can break down your vision into specific weekly actions, it is far more manageable. Also, the more specific and measurable you can make the weekly goals, the better. The big difference between a dream that remains a dream, and a dream that becomes a reality, is your level of commitment and your ability to plan.
Sixth, set up a weekly support structure to keep you on track. You know yourself. You know what gets in the way of your best intentions. Will you get distracted? Not set aside the necessary time? Run out of enthusiasm? Once you know how you usually quit on your dreams, find a suitable support structure that will ensure your progress. It can be as easy as setting some time aside each week to review your progress and plan for the next week. Other common support structures include finding a friend with a similar goal to partner with, or hiring a coach. Don’t sell yourself short here. Habits take time to change. Lack of an effective support structure is one of the prime reasons people give up on their goals.
Seven, just do it. You can choose to do this, or you can choose not to. Make a choice and follow through.
Seasons Greetings
John and Julie