ARE YOU READY TO HAVE A NEW YEAR, WITH NEW BEGINNINGS?

It’s the beginning of the New Year and with it you may have expectations for what you’d like to see happen. Have you challenged yourself to make any significant changes in your life? Have you made any conscious decisions about what you really want to do differently this year? Usually, it is best to look backwards and review what your issues of dissatisfaction are. What is within your power to manifest change and what is better to leave alone. If you have some solid ideas to improve your current situation, congratulate yourself! You have already gained momentum.

The next step is to move past the concept stage. Make a plan, set goals and commit to act upon them. The difference between a having a goal and having a dream are two key factors: accountability and a timeline. All the wishing and hoping will not create tangible results. The old expression “Talk is cheap” fits well here. A true commitment to effect change and a plan of action steps insures you greater chances of success. How will you hold yourself accountable? How will you be able to measure your results? What do you need to do to set yourself up to accomplish your intended goals? How will you plan to reward yourself?

It’s 2011. Now is the time to assess your personal challenges. Seize the moment to invest the necessary energy into yourself. Change whatever it is that hasn’t worked well for you in the past. Be more pro-active and aspire to do whatever you want for your own benefit this year. Visualize and create a list of things you wish to accomplish in the next month, next 90 days and by this time next year. Make an action plan with steps for each of your goals. Post this list where you will be able to review it as needed. Allow it to be a constant reminder to follow through and not slack off or quit altogether. If a goal has become unattainable, too difficult or unrealistic, then re-evaluate it to better fit your expectations. You can always add another goal and raise your aim higher, once you have accomplished the preceding ones. We must learn to walk before we are able to run. It’s very important to always reward yourself for your efforts. Both big and little steps bring you that much closer to attain your personal goals. Don’t give up easily – you are worth it! Next year at this time, you’ll feel pride for what you did for yourself. You matter. Make this your best year yet!

I invite your comments.