New Year, New Goals, New Mindset

Happy New Year everyone!

I hope the start of this year has been good for you so far. For me, it has been life changing. I've always been the type of person to not only reflect on what's past but to actively MOVE FORWARD to what's new to come. And sometimes, you have to PUSH one thing aside to clear the way for new opportunities, experiences and even people to come into your life. I am a strong believer in that The Creator has it all planned for us...we just have to follow His direction (and "He" can be Jehovah, Allah, The Creator or just a higher being). This I must say is very difficult to do.

This is about creating a goal-inspired action plan...what is your goal-inspired action plan for 2011? Is it find a new job? Is it getting your finances together? Losing weight to feel lighter and more energized? Or maybe it's finding a new love? Whatever it may be, have you created an action plan? If not, then I will say you will most likely fail before you even begin if you do not take the time to think about how you will accomplish your goals/objectives.

First, put aside some time to actively work on your goals. Get comfortably seated, turn off the tv, radio, computer, etc., take a deep breath in and exhale. I suggest doing this because it's important to get centered and connect to your inner being, your true Self so that you can become aware of how you will accomplish your goals. You should have a notebook, writing pad or journal to write down your goals. This is important folks so take your time with it. And to ease into it, make your list of goals about 5 or 10 items.

Next you should really think about each item you're are writing down because this will allow you to become aware of the importance of each item. Focus for a moment on what each goal means to you and what it would mean to you and your life once you've accomplished it. Will it dramatically change or improve your life? Or maybe it will put you on the path to you becoming a better person? Whatever it is, really meditate on each goal.

Once you've got your list of goals, give a copy of it to someone close to you...your spouse, significant other, mother, father, siblings, best friend or mentor...someone you know will gently hold you accountable for attaining your goals. It's important to hold yourself accountable because as you know, we all have made resolutions year after year after year and every year, it's the same resolutions being recycled again and again. When you give your list to someone else, it helps you to be truly responsible for taking actions to achieve your goals. Just make sure the person you give a copy of your list to understands the importance of your list and that you need their assistance in keeping your word to yourself.

Now take each item and create a sub-list of actions you will take to achieve your goal. Be honest and truthful with this part because you want to make sure that each action item is something you can and will definitely do. Lastly give yourself a timeframe on when you will accomplish your goals. Because you know if you just say "oh in 2011 I will lose 15 pounds..." and you don't put more of a time constraint on that goal, it will be December 31, 2011 and you will still have those 15 pounds PLUS 5 extra pounds to lose! (smile)

The time is now my good people. You deserve the best life has to offer...but you've got to work for it. If you put as much energy into achieving what your heart desires as you do when deciding on that outfit to wear to that party or on which Blackberry you should get next, you will succeed!

Be well!