The beginning of the New Year is a time to reflect on our accomplishments and to think about what we might like for the future year. New Year's resolutions often are about breaking old habits and shifting belief systems. How many resolutions have you made and successfully accomplished? We all have good intentions about what we would like to change. Sometimes our good intentions are just not enough to create success. Our New Year's resolutions are personal and important. Often, the next year we find ourselves making the same resolution, or at best the same one disguised with a clever twist. This pattern reinforces a sense of failure and lack of real commitment in our life. How would it feel to look back at the year and see results in everything you set out to do? What does it take to create something new and positive in your life?

There is a successful approach to choosing resolutions that are possible to attain. It takes awareness and diligence. When thought and action are combined, a goal will become your reality and you will feel empowered by the adventure. It is not necessary that we us the word resolution. You might, for instance, pick a vision, personal statement, or theme for 1999. Whatever word you choose, the main objective is change and improvement in some area of your life.

Making the space for new expression is an essential step on the path of success. There are two types of space, physical and emotional. To make physical space, start by going through your stacks of papers and unfinished photo albums. Dig deep into the closets and remove unwanted items. We often do not feel the impact of clutter in our environment until it is gone. Do you have unused gifts from last Christmas? There are plenty of organizations that would greatly benefit from these items. Get rid of any item that says fix me, finish me, replant me, paint me, or organize me every time you walk by.

Unfinished projects drain your energy and keep you from success.

Emotional clutter can also be taking your vital energy away. Spend the next month resolving any uncomfortable situations with family, friends and work associates. Has someone recently hurt of offended you and are you still harboring the pain? Do you regret saying or doing something to someone in the past year? This is your emotional clutter. Trying to achieve successful changes and goals in your life is a struggle when you are coming from a place based on unresolved hurts and miscommunications. If you knew you would not live through the next year, who would you want to talk to and what would you say? Resolve your past hurts and intrusions.

Clean up your emotional life.

Next, dream of what you want.  What is the one change you could make that would make you feel good about who you are? Pick something that you can believe, something that is physically and emotionally possible. I recall a recent client saying, "The best thing about turning 50 is now I know I don't have to think about ever being president." Our visions are wonderful when they are big, but they are better when they can also be accomplished. Don't set yourself up for disappointment. Positive results build more positive results. If you are thinking "I should lose weight, exercise etc.", re-think your choices. Resolutions of this nature are more than likely about societal expectations. Make a choice based on your values. Start your idea with "In 1999 I want...

Picture yourself doing this new action or being the person with this characteristic, accomplishment, or material possession. If you can't see it becoming true for yourself, rethink your original idea. Visualize someone you know who already possesses your desire. What aspect can you draw from him/her to add to your visual? Many athletes will watch videos of other accomplished athletes. To see something in your life is to open the doors to manifestation.

Resolutions are made and shared with a sense of determination and declaration. Tell your theme, declare it to someone or to everyone. You may encounter someone with the same vision or someone who will be instrumental in the success of your vision. Options we may not have thought of emerge, when we speak with other about our resolutions.

The plan starts to form as we talk about our theme. What plan of action will realistically work for you? What steps are going to keep you on the path of success? Start with the big picture and break it dow3n. What small steps can you take daily to move you on your path? Make a plan and keep moving with it. Set a reasonable agenda for your success.

Do what you have set out to do. Talented artists do not create masterpieces the first time they lift a brush. Diligently complete the smaller tasks to become closer to the bigger goal. Research and expose yourself to learning opportunities or communities that may help you. Work at it. A small bit everyday adds up over the course of 365 days. If you need help staying on track hire a professional to help you. There is a coach, consultant, or trainer for every goal, transition, theme and resolution made.

Remember on your path to success that it is not about the destination. It is about the experiences along the way. Have fun sorting through the old to make room for the new. Pick a resolution you can do. Stay positive and get back on track when you have slacked off. Be diligent. Enjoy your success when you arrive. Share it with others and help other on their paths. The biggest joy is when we all win. Celebrate on December 31, 1999 as you step into the new millennium remembering how you succeeded with your resolution. The next one is sure to be just as much fun.

kathy@coachpike.com
503-232-8490
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