At the beginning of this year, I challenged people to walk their talk in 2010 and to stop writing “wish list” resolutions. It was time to focus and center on the heart and spirit behind what you really want to manifest in your life. With so many challenges in 2009 surrounding unemployment, economy and personal fulfillment, I wanted people to see 2010 as the year to embrace the change they wanted to see in their lives and feel more empowered and courageous than ever before to achieve their divine goals and dreams. Do you remember feeling that all you experienced in 2009 had prepared you for 2010? It was time to ignite, create and develop ideas for our lives, careers and/or businesses. And guess what? It still is. Although we have reached the middle of 2010, and you might have feel discouraged, frustrated or that too much time has passed since you set your goals for the year without taking action, I’m going to ask you to keep on keeping on. Aligning our thoughts, words, actions and emotions toward positivity and the knowing that we are meant to have the right and perfect (insert dynamic and delicious dream here) doesn’t happen over night. There are times that my affirmations are said through clenched teeth and with a tone that is anything but upbeat. Yet, I keep on keeping on. What I know to be true is that I was put here to make a difference; we all were.
When you think about the typical New Year’s Resolutions that are toasted at midnight they usually involve going to the gym, eating healthier and finding a mate. What normally follows are goals that are anything but realistic and put far too much pressure on us. I’m going to go to the gym seven days a week and work out with a personal trainer three times a week. I’m never going to eat fast food again and will lose 30 pounds in two months. I’m going to join four online dating services and will have at least one date a week. Sound familiar? Instead of the resolution(s) being more task oriented, I challenge people to go within and take a look at what their heart is telling them. The actual objective could be a healthier lifestyle or a more balanced life. More often than not, our heart has much grander plans that would guide us on a path toward our life purpose ~ i.e. switching careers, starting a new business or buying a home. The thought of what it would take to move in that direction, combined with a fear of the unknown, can cause us to focus on smaller or more generic ideas.
As we move into the second half of 2010, I challenge you to honor and celebrate all you’ve accomplished. Nothing is too small for a “Ta Da” moment. The realization of steps you’ve mastered, completed and achieved will empower you to keep on keeping on. It’s remembering that steps 1-3 in your divine action plan need to be fulfilled before 4-6. It’s acknowledging that you are doing the very best you can, even on the most challenging of days. Next, ask yourself what you’ve been knowing, perceiving and comprehending? Are those thoughts and words keeping you anchored to old tapes that do not serve your greater good or do they motivate you to move toward your goals? Take a look at your objectives for the year and the short and long-term goals, as well as the immediate action steps you outlined. Where they S.M.A.R.T? Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Realistic. Timely. I’m going to write a book in 2010 is an amazing goal, but how can we support it using the S.M.A.R.T guide? I’m going to write five pages a day, three times a week for the next six months beginning on July 1, 2010. I’m going to live a healthier lifestyle is a wonderful goal. Support and maintain momentum by implementing S.M.A.R.T steps. Beginning July 1, 2010, I will go to the gym three times a week for one hour each and drink eight glasses of water a day. As you knock these out with energy and enthusiasm, a rhythm and flow of prosperity will envelope and you’ll be setting new and creative goals effortlessly.
Remember the very gift that is you and how you are worth the time. With all of the willingness and excitement to reach our goals and dreams, the very things we deserve, we can often forget to take care of ourselves. Start your day with meditation/prayer and gratitude for all you have and all that is coming. Set a daily intention and affirm it throughout the day. Find five moments five times a day for silence and deep breathing. Practice understanding and compassion for yourself and others (even the teachers). End your day the same way it began ~ with gratitude.
