New Year Vision

Wow, it's 2007! Time truly sweeps past fast! (,") It is a common sentiment, really, right? It always feels like time went by without us noticing. Most possibly like the previous new year, we'll still make the mistake of writing "2006" or "06" as current year.

For some people, the turn of the year usually comes with New Year's resolutions. We used to make this composition in High School, if I'm not mistaken. I have made a few back in my teens but it never became a habit. I prefer to look at it as a work in progress so it is viewed in a fresh perspective. My resolutions are scattered throughout the year, not just highlighted at the first light of the new year and then forgotten to gather dust in a dark corner somewhere for the rest of the 365 1/2 days.

Let me share a piece of guidance on how to make this year better than last year. I actually got this thru email in New Year 2004, but the idea is timeless instead of time-bound so it will be applicable for this year and every new year to come. It's a feel-good read that we just might need to perk up our souls and psyches for the challenges up ahead.

Happy New Year!

7 Ways to Make Your Happiest Year Possible
Written by Kathy Gates, Professional Life Coach

1. Starve a bad habit; feed a good habit. Things that you nurture and support and give energy and time to WILL grow in your life. In contrast, things can't exist if you don't support them. If you have something in your life that you don't want there, identify how you are supporting it.

2. Give up all hope of ever having a better past. You can't change it. But you CAN create a better future. If you get up every morning unhappy about what happened 20 years ago, or even yesterday, you give it power over you. Decide that the past will not rule your present.

3. Do it anyway. You don't have to feel like doing it (exercise, cutting spending, asking for help, saying no) to do it. Make a plan, then do what needs to be done.

4. Ask for what you want. Nobody ever gets more than they asks for. If you ask for very little love, support, opportunity, courage, interest, etc, that's exactly what you'll get. Decide what's important to you and be willing to ask, try, work and experiment until you get it.

5. Take small steps. It's easy to get overwhelmed and do nothing. Instead of focusing on the ultimate goal, focus on what you can do "just for today" to move in a new direction. For example, if financial stability is your goal, decide that "just for today" you won't create any new debt.

6. Do something different. If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten. Change your routine, add a good habit. Start small, then build on it. Just add an apple a day to your diet for 1 month, then include a v-8 juice the next month you get the idea.

7. Learn something new. Expand your horizons. If you're not willing to learn something new, you'll stay stuck where you are. It's very hard to ask for something when you don't even know it's available. Surprise yourself.