Every year we set resolutions, write goals, and move forward with
determination to make the New Year better. Then, two or three weeks
into January, we inevitably find ourselves back in our old patterns
and routines, our resolutions and goals a distant memory.
Sound familiar? That's because the way we've been taught to make
resolutions and set goals is innately flawed. Most of us will
admit, if we're honest with ourselves, that our goals and
resolutions are pretty similar each and every year. We want to lose
the same ten pounds, exercise more, increase our income by the same
percentage, improve our relationship (or create one). You know the
drill. You may throw in a few other well chosen traits, like being
more patient and loving or making your spiritual practice a regular
habit, but by in large the things we want remain constant. We write
them down, feeling good about ourselves that this year will be
different, then we pretty much put the process out of our minds.
We've done our yearly duty. We've taken the time to write down our
desires, and now, by magic, they should appear. Hmmm. Do you know
the definition of crazy? It's doing the same thing over and over
and expecting a different outcome. It simply doesn't happen. Why
not make this year different? Instead of resolutions and goals, why
not set an intention to make this the best year ever...and then put
some attention and energy into that intention and actually create
it.
By setting your intention, you give a clear message to the Universe
about what you want to discover, understand and change. Then,
instead of being run by your life, you take responsibility for
having your life go in the direction of your choosing. You decide
what you want and go for it. People often comment on the success of
others as luck, being in the right place at the right time, knowing
the right people, etc. We prefer to believe the saying that
Òluck is when opportunity and preparedness meet.Ó
You must have an intention and allow that intention to move you
through life. Make it lofty. It should excite and motivate you.
Don't worry about the goal right now. Focus only on your intention.
For example, your intention could be to make this the happiest year
of your life so far, to live beyond your wildest dreams. What would
this mean for you? Perhaps it's paying all your bills and having
money left over to play, maybe spending six months in Europe.
Perhaps it means being in a loving relationship or being physically
fit. Allow your goals to flow naturally from your intention. The
next step is keeping your intention constantly in front of you.
Visualize it several times each day. Really feel it. See yourself
accomplishing the dream. Become emotionally invested. See it, feel
it, own it, and it will happen. Doors will open. Your job is to be
prepared when the opportunity presents itself. Will that make it
easier to get out of bed in the morning with a smile on your face?
You bet.
Now, on a practical level, how is this accomplished? Using our
example, take a few minutes each morning and each evening to
visualize the life you want. Fill in all the details and FEEL them
being a reality. How would this day go if it were part of your
Òhappiest year so farÓ intention. What would you be
willing to do to make this happen? Make five extra cold calls? Get
up ten minutes earlier and spend that time with your partner? This
is how goals are created naturally and with ease. They flow from
your intentions. The most successful people reaffirm their
intentions daily, either mentally repeating them in their head,
reading them multiple times a day or writing them down. It takes
this type of routine and discipline to create success. Many of you
have probably tried this before only to let it fall by the wayside.
That is what differentiates successful people from everyone else.
Successful people keep their vision constantly in front of them,
using it as a compass to guide their day. If they get off track,
they know what it will take to get right back on, and do it.
Use these four easy steps to make this year different.
Step 1: Set your intention. Make it lofty.
Step 2: Allow your goals to flow naturally from this intention.
What are you willing to do to make your intention become a
reality?
Step 3: Visualize your intention as if it is already happening.
Really FEEL it.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1-3 daily. Do not allow yourself to fall back
into old patterns.
Above all, remember to remain positive and give gratitude for what
you already have in life.
It is possible to live your dreams. Never again do you need to
write goals and work to achieve them. Simply set an intention that
makes your heart sing and allow it to happen. Happy New
Year.
This article, written by Marilyn and Chuck, is reprinted with
permission from Natural Awakening's Magazine. Copyright © 2005
the Relationship Specialists, Inc. All rights reserved.
