Wednesday, December 30, 2009

What Are Your Plans for 2010

This is a repost from December 2007. Goal setting, planning and intention for success are all part of an ongoing process, that keeps our dreams alive. May 2010 be your best year ever.

Have you made your plans for the coming year? Set your goal? Now is the time.

Each year at this time I consider those ideas, and plans that I have not accomplished in the current year. I ask “Are they still valid? Do they belong on this years dream board? Why have I not moved towards completion of the undone projects? (Fear, disinterest, procrastination??) Do I need to rework the idea, or perhaps meditate on the faith I am putting into the project?”

As I mentioned in previous posts it is important at this time of year, especially, to begin clearing clutter from your physical space, as well as your mental and emotional space. Well now is also the time to clear the clutter on your to do lists, your goal cards, and dream boards. Take the goals, dreams and wishes that are no longer valid (carefully consider what you are ready to let go) and erase them from the picture. That leaves room to really focus on the ideas that are important to you.

If you have never set goals on paper or created visual aids to track your progress and give your mind some visual stimulation, today is the day to begin. Goals left only in the thought process are merely dreams.

Goal setting is not a 10 minute process, like a New Year’s Resolution. Really choosing how you want to create your life takes time, thought and feeling. Before you write down “I want” or I will” take some time to consider how you want to feel, how your desires will benefit others, why you want to accomplish certain things. Are these accompishments true desires or are they “I know I shoulds”? Shoulds seldom work out very well. In order to create the life you choose to live, the goals must come from your heart, not your head.

Here is a suggestion for those who have never formally put a goal and action plan in place:
Begin by finding quiet space where you will not be disturbed for an hour or so. Grab a pen and paper. Take a few moments to quiet your mind, then allow your thoughts to tune into what you want from life (notice I did not say what I want in life), and what you want to give to life.
Begin to write out the thoughts and ideas as they come. Don’t worry about grammar or spelling or any other writing skills at this time - just write what is pouring out of your thoughts and your heart - feelings, things, work, family, relationships, health.

How do you want to be feeling? Is there a health issue you want to improve? Are there actions you want to take? Do you have a special talent you are ready to share with the world or want to prepare to share? Want material possessions would you like to have? How much money would you like to earn? Is it time to focus on family and friends - to have better relationships? Are you thinking of taking a fabulous vacation?

Write, Write, Write. When you have exhausted the supply of ideas, take the paper and tuck it away for 24 hours.

The following day, find that same quiet place, bring a fresh sheet of paper, and perhaps a nice cup of tea. I like to have at least 3 marker colors or crayons on hand. Get really comfortable and read your previous days wish list. As you read through highlight or circle those that really stand out. I circle the ones that create passion within me in red, the ones that give a feeling of abundance in green, and those that I think “why did I write that?” in blue. There may me things on the list that leave you feeling indifferent. Those I leave alone. They are probably not worth considering further. But keep this paper - there is a reason you wrote them down and you may want to come back to it in the future.

Begin a list of the those circled in red, then a list of the green, then blue. Split the page down the middle so the ideas are on the left and you have room to comment on the right.

Take another look at the list and if anything stands out for you on the lists make a note. You may have ideas to start formulating a plan, questions about why you would deserve this is your life, feelings of fear that you cannot accomplish a certain idea, how this idea will benefit others, someone who can help with your project…. Make these notes in the left column. Then put the list away for at least another 24 hours.

Come back to your list (allow at least another hour) Take another look at it, and consider time frames for accomplishment - are these short term goals, or long term goals? Do some of the ideas fit together to create a bigger picture. Take the feeling items and place them with the accomplishment items. Do some of your travel plans work in with work goals?

Beside each item place an S beside the short term goals (things you want or want to accomplish within a few weeks or a couple of months) and M beside those that you would like to see come about within the next 6 - 8 months and an L beside those you want to see within 9 months to 2 years. At this point don’t put specific dates, you are still in the thought process - brainstorming with yourself.

When doubts arise or thoughts of what others will think, stop yourself and set the number one goal “I am now ready to live a life that is satisfying and joyous, for the highest good of all, and I am grateful for the manifestation of my desires” As long as your goals do not beat another down, or hurt anyone else, don’t worry about how selfish someone might think you are, or how impossible others might see your dreams. This is your plan - not theirs. You may choose to only speak of these goals with supportive, like minded people. (In fact I recommend it)

If you have been lucky enough to plan to spend an entire day working with your goals, then carry on at this point. For those who can only spend an hour or so, put your paper away for now and come back to it tommorow. Don’t leave it longer than that or you will just let it go. Commit to creating your story, writing your life plan for the coming year(s)

Now is the time to take the short term goals - create dates for completion or fruition, make action notes and statements for projects and write affirmations that support each of these goals. Affirmations show the gratitude for having that goal manifested in your life now. They are stated in present terms. Example: I am so happy and grateful now that I am living in a beautiful and appropriate home, that suits my lifestyle and family.”

Continue to do the same for each of your midterm and long term goals.

Once this is complete, begin your wish board (dream board/vision board). Look through magazines, online, newspapers, etc. to find pictures, phrases, articles, travel plans, house plans, vehicles……… - anything that is on your list and paste them onto the board. Place the board where you can see it on a daily basis. This part is important. In the past I used to hide my wish board so that others wouldn’t see it. Alas, it did nothing to further my success. I realize that I was hiding my dreams, embarrassed at what others might think of me. The Universe cannot easily give you things when you don’t feel worthy to receive.

I could continue and write a book on this subject and there are good books available. So to shorten things up from this point read and affirm your goals daily. Make notes as ideas come up that will help you take action or put you in the right place to receive, give your doubts to the Universe and keep your eye on the present moment (not on the end result) and most of all be grateful for all that is coming into your life and all that is in your life right now.

I do take this one step further and write a story about my life for the coming year. It begins “At this time ………….” and ends with ” and we all live happily everafter, with new ideas, love, peace and joy.” If you like to write, try it. It’s interesting to read as you begin to clear and create next year.

One last note - goal setting does not have to wait until December or happen only once a year. Once you begin the process, you will find yourself updating and adding to your list on a regular basis and that is the way it works best.

Best Wishes and Blessings on your Journey.
Julie

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