Happy New Year!

Welcome to our new decade, 2010! Here are seven quick tips that outline the basics of getting what you want- dreaming, setting goals and following through!

1-                  Love what is.
How much appreciation can you muster for what you have now? The saying “What you appreciate, appreciates,” is true. Gratitude creates a void that is filled by more good things coming into your life.

2-        Decide you’re worth it.
You must decide to trust yourself if you want to follow your own dreams,  like yourself and enjoy living in your own skin. Give yourself the gift of your own credibility. Why do things to yourself that you would write someone off for?

3-        Begin with the end in mind.
Stephen Covey was right- it’s vitally important to articulate your vision and keep it in focus as you move through the process. Think about how your personal values will be reflected and expressed in your goals. Completing the statement “I’m doing this for the sake of…” can help you source your own compelling motivation. What will you know about yourself after completing this project?

4-        Put it in motion.
Take the first step. Commit to one small step and tell a supportive someone when you’ll have it done. Write your goals out in a tiered fashion: Level 1 is easy, almost something you do already; Level 2 is a challenge; and Level 3 is absolutely amazing. How can you lose?

5-         Create a structure for on-going support.
Who and what will “hold your feet to the fire”?  Ask someone you trust to follow-up with you in a way that feels good to you.  Think about what will really keep you going week after week on your project- what’s truly sustainable? When will you take breaks?

The American Society for Training & Development says the probability of completing a goal is as follows:

a- you hear an idea that you want to pursue: 10%
b- you decide when you will do it: 40%
c- you plan how you will do it: 50%
d- you commit to someone else you will do it: 65%
e- you have a specific accountability appointment with that person: 95%

6-        Ask for help when you feel stuck.
Simple powerful questions such as “What do you know about…?”, or “Would you help me…?”, can take you giant leaps forward in life. Networking by sharing resources is a form of ordinary magic and keeps you in the circulation of give and take. Remember too, it’s OK to adjust your roadmap along the way.

7-         Celebrate successes.
Make a list of some great things to do or have for yourself when you complete each step of the way- and actually do/acquire those things! But what may be even more important is to just acknowledge yourself for what you’ve accomplished- that includes journaling, telling a friend and/or someone who’s supported you along the way.

Enjoy your 2010 calendar and fill it with things you love.

More on each of these items later this year!