New Year Resolutions

When I first heard the concept of New Years Resolutions, I thought they were a great idea. But as the years passed by, and year by year my resolutions dissolved in the first weeks of January, I have come to view them with a slightly jaded outlook.

A few years ago, I made one final New Years Resolution, which I have kept until this day. And that is.... to no longer make New Years Resolutions.

This was a brilliant decision on my part. I am able to say with 100% honesty that I have kept my NYR, and I avoid the horrible feelings of guilt and failure associated with a tradition that (according to one study) 88% of us are doomed to fail at.

The thing about NYRs is we romanticise them. On New Years Eve, it seems like a great idea to lose 10kgs, run a marathon, climb a mountain, or quit smoking.

But in the harsh light of New Years Day, many of us have to face the reality that while we love the idea and the ideal of our NYRs, we don't really have the commitment, perseverance, stamina or desire to do the hard work that it will take to accomplish our goal.

Another reason we don't achieve our goals is that we never seriously set our intentions. Its all very well to decide that this year you are going to lose weight, give up smoking, or start exercising, but without proper preparation, planning and action, you are doomed to failure before you even start.

Like most people, I love the idea of a fresh new year, filled with possibilities, but instead of focusing on New Year Resolutions, I prefer to create setting myself some tangible goals, And each year I focus on refining the process.

For me, it starts with dreams and a Vision.

Dreaming is fun. It sparkles the imagination. From the dream comes the desire. From the desire comes the design. And from the design comes inspiration, perspiration, action, alteration and achievement.

I create a vision of what I what I would like to achieve in the year ahead and in the future, and I work towards it daily.

I have a Vision Board in my office, designed to tickle my imagination, remind me of what I aspire to achieve and inspire me to dream and to dare even when times get tough.

And I have a plan of action to help me work towards achieving my goals.

How much more empowering is this than a New Year Resolution?

Did you make New Year Resolutions at the beginning of 2016? How many of them did you manage to keep or achieve? Will you be making NYR's for 2017 or do you have a Vision for 2017?

Have you set yourself some magnificent, empowering goals? What do you envision for yourself and your future? Do you have a dream for yourself and where you want to go in 2017? And do you have a plan for how you are going to get there?

Remember, a dream without a goal and a plan is just a wish, but the first step to creating your Dream Life starts with dreaming!

To get what you truly desire, you may have to work for it.

It may be uncomfortable. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone and do things you have never done before.

It may require you to do things that other people are not prepared to do. It may even require you to ignore the negative comments and non-constructive criticisms of family, friends and colleagues and forge your own path.

To truly achieve your hopes, dreams and goals takes hard work and committment, but that's not to say that it can't also be an enormous amount of fun, and hugely fulfilling at the same time.

And there are lots of tools and tricks available to assist you in making your dreams easier to reach, including vision boards, coaching, smart planning, positive affirmations, to name just a few.

Whatever your wishes, hopes and dreams for 2017, I wish you a productive, prosperous and successful year.

PS: If you are looking for support in achieving your goals in 2017, I am happy to announce that I have space available to work with 2 special, dedicated clients in 2017.

To book your spot, email me at: prosperitydream101@gmail.com