Planning and Dreaming and Visualizing the Year Ahead!

I don’t know about you, but for me, visualizing all the things I want is a fun step in the creation process. So, to assist in this step, I create visions boards.

In case you don’t know what that is, it is simply a collection of pictures that match up with the goals you have already written down. This is a fun step in setting up your year ahead. After you’ve completed the steps mentioned in previous post, this last step should be easy and fun.

Begin by either searching the internet for photos that match your goals, or dig out those old magazines that you will never read and start cutting out things that catch your eye.

Things to lookout for: When I first did my vision board, I did it on a white poster board. I went through all my magazines, cut out letters to make words that inspired me and pictures that did the same. Then I hung it up in my bedroom where I could see it daily. The only problem was that it wasn’t very pretty, as far a décor went. So the following year, I decided to get a binder and construction paper and do my vision board that way. I found all the pictures that inspired me, glued them on the construction paper, placed the construction paper inside plastic sheets, then inside the binder, and I was done. The problem was that I put the binder away and didn’t look at again. That’s a no-no.

So finally, I found what worked for me. I went Jo Ann’s and bought a picture frame that I fell in love with. Then, I found craft paper that spoke to me to use as a background (pictures of maps since I really want to travel).  First, I glued the craft paper down. Then, I glued all the pictures and words in a way that inspired me on top of it. Then, I hung the picture-frame/vision board in my home office, over my desk where I could see it daily and be reminded of all the things I was working for.

Creating a vision board is a great step in getting you to start visualizing. Visualizing will get you excited for what’s ahead. That feeling is the key to obtaining your goals. Being content NOW, will attract the things that you want.

So have fun with this step and if you do a vision board and would like to share it with us I would love to see your master piece.

 

Till Next Time

 

Why Knowing Your Why is Important

In honor of January, I’m going to stick with the theme of setting goals to ensure that you successfully set up your year.

If you’re anything like most people, chances are that you have already defaulted on your new year’s resolutions. If you have, don’t’ worry, I’m here to offer some tips on how to get you back on board.

First, let’s eliminate the word resolution and let us call it goals, I think this is a better way to look at  it. Then, let’s try to understand why you have defaulted so soon.

The reason could be because you don’t know your why. Setting goals and setting a plan are both great ways to get the year started; however, equally as important is knowing your why. If you have already set your goals and have decided upon a plan of action, now it’s time to do one more step. Know your why! This powerful step will provide you with the fuel you need that will get you back on board and/or keep you going until your goal is achieved.

Let us say that you have a financial goal of doubling your annual income by the end of the year (goal). And,  you have already written down what you’re going to do daily to achieve this goal (action). Now, on a brand new page of your 2016 journal, write the goal as your heading and write down your why. Maybe your why is so that you can buy a house. Or maybe it is so that you can finally take that vacation you’ve always wanted. Or maybe, you want to get out of debt . Whatever it is, putting a reason behind your goal gives it a deeper meaning and understanding as to why achieving this goal is so important, thus reminding you why you must get back on board, and/or keep going until you have successfully reached it.  Be colorful in your description. I recommend that you add several things to your description of why:

1. What is my Why:   I want to double my income so that I can finally take that month long vacation to Europe.
2. Write a story about what you want:    I can’t wait to take my vacation next Spring. Upon earning the money, I will decide on which countries I will visit, then, I  will book my flight and hotel,. Finally, I will go shopping for… etc.
3. How will I feel once I achieve my goal:   I will feel like anything is possible. I will feel happy that I reached a goal that I set only 12 short months ago.

Don't feel bad if you have defaulted, or never even started, or feel lost in taking your goals to the next level. It is never too late to get a plan together.  The important thing is that you have a desire to make this year different than all the others. That desire WILL eventually get you on track to success.

Next week I will provide another vital step in getting you all set up for a successful year.

Till Next Time.

How to Solve Any Problem

Have you ever wondered why something is “happening” to you? If you have, then this post was written just for you.

The first thing I would like you to do is to open your mind to the possibility that what I’m about to tell you is true. Then, envision your current “problem” with this new point of view.

So now that you’re ready to accept what I’m about to tell you without any resistance, here it is. What if your current problem is not happening to you, but instead it is responding to you? I’ll wait while it sinks in…

Jeopardy Theme Song

One of the most important steps in solving any problem is accepting responsibility for our part in it. By taking ownership of our “problem” we have suddenly shifted things in our favor, making it possible to find a solution. One of the worse things we as human beings can feel is that feeling of hopelessness, that feeling that says we are not in control, or that life is out of control. But nothing could be furthest from the truth. The fact of the matter is that life is not happening to you, it is responding to you. Your life is made up of the thoughts that you hold, because those thoughts guide your feelings, your feelings guide your actions, your actions lead to your life.

Taking ownership of our “problems” doesn’t excuse others from whatever part they played in it; it simply gives us the power, the control to change it without expecting others to do it for us.

If you want to test this theory, it’s simple. Take one of your major problems, then push away any thoughts that blame others for your current condition, and own it. If you do it correctly, you will start to see the role you played in it, which created that problem. Good news is, now that you can see how you created the problem, you can also see how to solve this and any other “problem” you may be having.

It all starts with taking control of your life and knowing that it is up to you to change it. With faith in yourself, a plan and action you can solve any problem and avoid most others.

 Till Next Time!