Embracing Positive Change for 2009

Are you looking to make some positive changes in your life for 2009? A desire for change will remain on your Wish list or your To Do list until the day that you make a commitment to yourself to take action. We often become paralyzed by the fear, uncertainty, anxiety, or self-doubt that can accompany change. Or, as a result of living in an I Want it Now society, we become impatient and frustrated if we do not see immediate results.

As a coach, I believe that it is best to approach positive change with a strong plan of attack. So let me offer 10 simple yet powerful ideas to help you create your action plan for 2009.

1. Set goals that are both realistic and achievable. Set yourself up for success. For example, start with a morning walk around your neighborhood for a week or two rather than immediately trying to jog five miles.
2. Attack one or two goals at any given time. Change can be a good thing but too much change at one time can create chaos.
3. Envision your plan as stepping stones over a stream rather than one giant leap across a river.
4. Celebrate sucess! As you reach each new step in your plan (no matter how small it may seem), MAKE the time to celebrate the effort that you put forth to get that much closer to your goal. Rather than rushing forward, STOP and savor the building blocks of success.
5. Create a support system. Surround yourself with people that will support your goals, that you find motivating and who will serve as your personal cheerleaders.
6. Surround yourself with snippets and images that represent the steps in your plan and the successful attainment of your goal. Cut out pictures and phrases from magazines, etc. You can then create a collage on a Vision Board or place items around your home and office for inspiration and encouragement. If you consistently remind yourself that success is within reach, you can capture it!
7. There will be bumps (maybe even a few pot holes) in the road as you travel your new path. DO NOT punish yourself when you experience a bad day or a setback. Assess the situation, adapt and press forward with hightened determination.
8. Ask for help. If you feel you would benefit from a mentor, a coach, a trainer, a counselor, etc., then seek out that person who can provide motivation and guidance.
9. You can't finish what you don't start. Don't allow yourself to be trapped in the planning process. Remember that you will be re-assessing and adapting your plan as you move forward.
10. Do the work and maintain accountability. Remember that this is your goal and your action plan. You can wait to stumble upon that genie in the bottle who will grant your wishes...OR you can make a committment to invest the necessary time, energy and resources to reach your goal.

The new year is a great time to embrace positive change. So focus on your goal, define your plan of action, arrange your stepping stones and celebrate daily success.

My best wishes for a new year rich in possibilities!