Positive Energy - Simple Steps for Success in 2010

January 2010

Dear Subscriber

Let's leap into 2010 with conviction by making sure our New Year resolutions really happen. Setting goals is the easy part, ensuring they are achieved can take a bit more motivation and work. So we're going to head into this new decade by focusing on how to set your goals and how to make sure you realise them.

The how and why of goal setting
Make them happen
Something to read
What can you do?
What's happening?

Let me know about your successful New Year resolutions so we can all learn from them. Email them to me or call me on 01697 747 821.

Best Wishes,

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C.S. Lewis

Setting goals is the start of a journey. Whether circumstances have forced you to set a goal, or you choose to set a new target, doing so will give you a sense of direction and purpose. The long term vision of where you want your life to go helps build your confidence, motivation and determination to make it happen.

Achieving your goals – no matter how small or large they are, is an exhilarating and positive experience which leads to an immense sense of fulfilment. Of course the end goal is important, the journey you take to get you there is just as important. This challenge leads to new skills, new contacts and networks, and new knowledge about yourself. The process inevitably leads to a stronger, more motivated and positive you. When you know you can achieve anything you set your mind to – nothing can defeat you!

Positive Practice – Make it Happen

So what goals do you want to achieve? Maybe there's a job you've been putting off – clearing the attic or learning a new skill. Whatever it is it's time to stop just thinking about it and start planning your journey. Follow these three simple steps to get going:

Pick a goal! Any goal will do as long as it is clearly defined and achievable. This is your chance to identify something you've always wanted to do, or to take a positive approach to that task you've been putting off. Whatever it is define it and breathe in the determination to see it through. Write it down.
X marks the spot! Clarify the outcome of your goal. Write down exactly what you are going to achieve and you won't overlook the chance to celebrate it. If you're learning a language your goal doesn't have to be conversational fluency, it could be being able to order a meal in a restaurant. Detailed and clear outcomes motivate you on your path to achieving them.
Map it out! Plan your journey step by step. Your preparation should be carefully researched and your path mapped out in stages. By setting mini goals your motivation stays on course and you can mark each step that brings you closer to achieving your goal. Take a look at the worksheet on my website How to Achieve Your Goals before you get started; it's a good read and a positive way to get you started.

Now, pick your goal and get the process started. If you experience any set backs on your journey revisit your outcome and imagine how it will feel when you achieve it. Let me know how you get on, I love to hear your success stories.

Coach Yourself by Anthony Grant and Jane Greene. This highly practical book will help you to identify goals and to reach them. You will make lasting positive, inspirational change in your life by learning to be your own, solution-focussed life coach.

What Can You Do?

Measuring progress gives satisfaction.

Last year I set some challenging goals for my business. I wanted to double sales and reach 100 days of delivering training. I wrote this down and kept a spreadsheet of the progress. The most motivational thing was having a simple accumulator chart stuck up above my desk. I coloured in the increasing income and the growing numbers of training days. This made the success really obvious and it gave me a real boost to see this every day. I had milestones and when they were reached I marked them by doing things I enjoyed like going out for a lunchtime walk, making cake or drinking sparkly wine with friends. We smashed through the targets after 8 months and had the best year ever.

What's Happening?

Springboard in Dunblane. Come and join us at Dunblane Cathedral for this programme starting on 11^th February. We've revised the dates to avoid school holidays. More details here.

Taster in Newcastle. Come along for a free lunch on 9^th February at the CastleGate in Newcastle and find out what Springboard is all about. Men are welcome at the taster and the programme starts on 11^th March. More details here.