Happy New Year!

Those of you who know me, will know that I can be a little contrary. I don’t really hold with New Year’s Resolutions – why should I do something just because everyone else is? I prefer to work to new goals when it makes sense to me to do so, I like Spring in terms of feeling of new beginnings. Not in terms of the first day of Spring, but that day when you first notice that the windows need washing.

If you’re going to have a crack at this resolution lark (at whatever time of year), here are my top ten tips:

1. Whatever it is, really want to do it otherwise you’re unlikely to succeed
and it will be one more thing for you to beat yourself up about
2. Be very clear about what your goal is
3. List the benefits to you and others of achieving your resolution:

a. What will be different?
b. How will you feel?
c. What will others notice about you?

4. What’s the consequence of not carrying out your resolution?
5. Be able to visualise yourself doing it, whatever it is, and of yourself
once you’ve reached your goal
6. Find a picture or some words that are relevant for you and your goal and
put them where you will see them when you waver – which you will, so be
prepared to power on through
7. Start with your goal and work back to now, identify small steps along the
way. Then you’ll know what your first action is and be able to take it
without delay
8. Set realistic deadlines for each step
9. Be kind to yourself and celebrate each step as it’s achieved
10. Work with others. Either find yourself a resolution buddy so that you can
keep each other going, or work with a coach!


Good luck – you can do this.

I'll be back with other New Year things this week.

Happy 2010 – you see, that doesn’t even look like a year…