A Strong Start

"There is only one success. To be able to spend your life in your own way."
- Christopher Morley

A new year always rings with the promise of a fresh start, new possibilities, and then after a few weeks most people forget all about creating something new and exciting in their life and fall back into a rut. Another year goes by and it's like ending up back in the same place feeling déjà vu and wondering, "How did I manage to stay stuck here?"

The truth is there is a secret to turning empty words and promises into accomplishments you can celebrate. It is called right action. So many articles and experts out there (especially at this time of year) tell us the key to succeeding with our resolutions is to commit and take action. And, they are correct; it does take commitment and action to see positive changes. However, if it is not the right action customized for who you are and what you really want, it is akin to gritting your teeth and forging ahead on someone else's path. Yes, you'll move forward but at some point you'll burnout and it'll fall apart because it is not sustainable for you.

Go somewhere where you can be quiet, alone, and uninterrupted for at least an hour with a journal in hand. Create a sacred space by lighting some candles, burning some incense, or turning on some soothing instrumental music. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Now, write down the top 3 things you really want to achieve for yourself or have in your life in the next year. They can be personal, business, or a combination of both. For each of these items answer the following questions:

What must I do to get it?
How will I feel when I achieve it?
What will it mean to achieve it? Or, what will I have in my life as a result of achieving it that I don't have right now?
How will I feel if I don't achieve it?

If you answered yes - Congratulations! you are on the right track with goals that align with who you are and you'll be able to take right action. If you still have some doubt, spend some time exploring the question: Are these goals something I really want or are they something someone expects from me or told me I "should" want? That someone can be society, family, friends, or simply beliefs you have about how things "should" be. Bottom line is, if it doesn't feel right, it isn't right for you.