How to Start the New Year Right

How to Start the New Year Right

Everyone wants to start the New Year right and many do that with resolutions, but statistics tell us that 91% of New Year’s resolutions fail within forty-eight hours of the New Year.

WOW! That’s huge and it might feel a little discouraging, but that’s why you have me! I’m here to give you a few great tips on how to start the New Year right!

So why do 91% of resolutions fail within forty-eight hours? Let’s dig in!

start the new year right

Obstacles People Come Up Against in the New Year

One common obstacle that people often face when starting the New Year is setting unrealistic goals or resolutions. While it’s great to aim high, setting goals that are too ambitious can lead to disappointment and a sense of failure if they are not met. This can quickly derail other efforts to make positive changes.

Another common barrier is the lack of a clear plan or strategy. Many people start the New Year with a vague idea of wanting to improve certain aspects of their lives, but without a clear plan of action, it’s easy to lose focus and motivation. This lack of direction can make it difficult to achieve desired outcomes.

Procrastination is another significant obstacle that many people encounter. The start of a new year often brings a sense of renewed energy and motivation, but this can quickly fade as the reality of daily life sets in. Procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of progress towards goals.

Many people also struggle with maintaining consistency. Whether it’s sticking to a new diet, exercise routine, or other lifestyle changes, maintaining these new habits consistently can be challenging. It’s easy to revert back to old habits, especially when faced with stress or unexpected changes.

Finally, a lack of self-confidence or belief in your ability to make changes can be a major obstacle. This can stem from past failures or a fear of failure. Without a strong belief in your ability to make positive changes, it can be difficult to stay motivated and committed to new goals.

Setting Powerful Goals: Your Foundation for the New Year

It’s the dawn of a fresh year! A fantastic opportunity to re-evaluate last year’s happenings, decide on what lessons were valuable, and outline resolutions to enhance your prospects over the next 365 days. Setting achievable, powerful goals for the coming year doesn’t just happen though—it requires thoughtful reflection, purposeful planning, and accountability mechanisms in place. Let’s dive into it.

First and foremost, reflection is critical. Ask yourself what worked and what didn’t for you in the past months? This introspection helps stimulate a clear idea of where you stand, the space for growth, and the direction you should take to make this year a fulfilling one. Be honest—Growth lies in authenticity.

  • Analyze last year’s goals: Go back to the goals you set last year. Did you achieve them? If not, identify why, and use that intel to inform your future goals.
  • Consider success: Think about the instances where you felt triumphant and true. What sparked these feelings and how can it be integrated into future objectives?
  • Assess your values and vision: People change, and so do their values and vision. It’s important to ensure your goals align with your evolving personal ethos.

Thoughtful reflection leads us to the next step—planning. Once you have a clear sense of what matters to you, carve out landmarks that will guide your journey this year.

  1. Measurable outcomes: Break down your aspirations into quantifiable targets. Instead of setting a vague goal like “getting healthier”, you might decide to “Run 3 times a week for 30 minutes.”
  2. Prioritizing goals: Rank your goals in relation to their importance and urgency. This can help prevent burnout and keep the focus on what genuinely matters to each individual tree rather than the whole forest.
  3. Consistent commitment: Consistency in the pursuit of goals works wonders. Set daily, weekly, or monthly tasks that lead to your ultimate goal.

Now that you’ve reflected and planned, don’t forget about accountability. Having someone or something that holds you responsible for your goals significantly enhances the chance of you sticking to them.

  • Find a mentor or coach: A mentor can offer guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback throughout your journey.
  • Engage a support group: Having a group of individuals with similar aspirations can be a source of motivation and mutual learning. Their victories will inspire you, and possibly, your story might inspire them!
  • Journaling: Build a habit of jotting down your daily accomplishments. Over time, these entries will serve as your visual scorecard, reminding you of your capabilities and progress.

Remember, a New Year is a fresh canvas, and you’re the artist. Paint your dreams onto this canvas and extend their reach far beyond the boundary of just “resolutions”.

Setting powerful goals is essential, but most importantly, remember to take care of yourself throughout the process. Be patient, acknowledge your achievements however small they may seem, and celebrate your efforts. After all, the journey to a thousand miles begins with a single step!

Learn how to set life-changing goals – the kind of goals you won’t drop in 48 hours – with this awesome workbook! Just click the button below to start today!

This workbook will walk you through setting goals that are meaningful to you and will help you improve your life in ways you never imagined!

Stop sitting by, watching others achieve their goals. In fact, forget about them! This is about you and your new-found ability to have the life you want. 

The workbook is a digital download, so once you complete your purchase, which is less than a cup of coffee, you will be on. your way!

Start the New Year Right with a Self-Care Routine

Starting the New Year right takes more than just setting goals and working towards them; it involves a holistic approach that includes practicing self-care. What exactly does self-care mean to you? Let’s explore this together.

Self-care is about taking time to focus on your well-being and nurturing yourself, both physically and mentally. It’s about establishing routines and habits that promote health, happiness, and restorative balance in your life. And guess what? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Self-care looks different for everyone, and what’s most important is finding practices that resonate with you.

Now, why is this important as you start your New Year? Well, maintaining a dedicated self-care routine can have a significant impact on your ability to achieve your goals.

See, goal achievement is often seen as a marathon, not a sprint. Imagine trying to run this marathon while you’re exhausted, burnt out, or feeling unwell. It’s practically impossible, right? That’s where self-care shines – it’s your vital fueling station for this long race called life.

So, how do you go about implementing a successful self-care routine for the New Year? Here are a few tips:

  1. Set aside time for relaxation and reflection each day: This could be anything from meditation to journaling or simply reading a book. The key is to have some ‘me’ time where you can unwind and focus on your inner self.
  2. Prioritize physical health: Regular exercise and healthy eating habits should be a non-negotiable part of your day. Even a 20-minute walk can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Whether that’s with positive people, inspiration-filled environments or uplifting music, positivity can significantly influence your mental well-being.
  4. Keep learning and growing: Constant growth and learning can give you a sense of achievement, sprinkling joy and satisfaction in your life.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection here; small consistent changes often lead to massive outcomes. So start small, make gradual changes, and most importantly, be consistent with your self-care routine.

Ultimately, weaving self-care into the fabric of your life will not only aid in the successful attainment of your New Year resolutions but also ensure you’re in the best condition to face whatever challenges the New Year may bring. So, as you strive to start this New Year right, don’t forget to take care of the most crucial player in this game – You!

Having an effective self-care routine is crucial to your daily peace and happiness, but many people falsely believe that self-care is simply taking a hot bath with a glass of wine and some candles.

There are so many other ways to enjoy a self-care routine and this book walks you through them, providing you with many choices on how you can implement a self-care routine into your schedule. 

Positive Mindset: Your Secret Weapon to Conquer New Year Challenges

Now that you know how to set goals and you understand the importance of self-care, it’s time to get the right mindset behind your effort!

Building a positive mindset isn’t instant—it’s a gradual and consistent process. The most vital part is to maintain this mindset throughout the year, not just the first few days or weeks. So, how can you build such a resilient mindset? Well, let’s dive into that.

Tips to Cultivate a Resilient Mindset and Start the New Year Right

The first step is awareness. You must recognize that your thoughts heavily influence your actions. If you continually believe you cannot achieve something, this becomes your reality. So, be aware of what you tell yourself. The idea is to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

The next step involves the consistent practice of positive thinking. Positive affirmations are a brilliant tool. When you start your day with positive affirmations like “I can accomplish anything I set my mind to” or “I’m continually bettering myself,” you’re feeding your mind optimism, resulting in an incredible shift in your perspective and actions.

“Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change.”

Mindfulness is also an effective strategy for cultivating a positive mindset. It involves staying connected with the present moment, thereby reducing anxieties about the future or resentments about the past. There are various ways to practice mindfulness, including meditation, yoga, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of life around you.

Lastly, remember that a positive mindset doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges that come your way. Rather, it means facing these challenges with optimism, confidence, and the firm belief that you are more than capable of overcoming them.

As you step into the New Year, bear in mind these simple yet powerful tips to help you nurture a resilient mindset—it will be your driving force in achieving your goals and navigating any obstacles in your path.

Embrace a Morning Routine: The First Step to a Successful Day

Imagine starting your day in harmony, feeling relaxed, and filled with positivity. Yes, this can be your reality if you embrace a consistent morning routine. Now, you may be thinking, “I’m just not a morning person”. But, the truth is, you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to maintain a beneficial morning routine. You just need to create a sequence of activities that resonates with you, boosts your mood, and prepares you for a successful day.

The magic of a morning routine

A structured morning routine can be a game changer for your productivity and well-being. It sets the tone for the day, reduces stress levels by eliminating rushing and decision-making stress, fuels your focus on your goals, and promotes a better work-life balance. No wonder many successful people swear by their morning routine!

  • Establish consistency: Wake up and start your routine at the same time every day. This consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock and can improve sleep quality.
  • Personalize your routine: There’s no ‘one size fits all’ routine. Tailor your routine to suit your needs and preferences. Whether that’s meditation, a vigorous workout, visualizing your goals, or a combination of all, the choice is yours.
  • Focus on positivity: Include affirmations or gratitude reflections in your routine to cultivate a positive mindset. Remember, a better day starts with a cheerful you.

Creating a morning routine that works doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, commitment, and constant re-evaluation. But the payoff is an enhanced sense of control, increased productivity, and better health – making it one of the best ways to start the New Year right.

Sample morning routine

To help you get started, here’s a sample morning routine you might consider:

Time Activity
6:30 am Wake up and hydrate
6:40 am 10-minute meditation
7:00 am Light workout (Yoga, Stretching or Jogging)
7:30 am Healthy breakfast and day planning

Remember, this is just a suggestion, and it’s crucial to adapt the routine to your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle. The objective is to design a morning routine that you look forward to, not one that feels like a chore.

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.” – Mike Murdock

So there it is; start your New Year off with a powerful morning routine and set the stage for a productive, fulfilling, and successful year. It all starts with a commitment to making a change. Are you ready?

start the new year right

Start the New Year Right by Adopting Healthy Habits

Adopting healthy habits often seems like daunting task, but with the right direction and some perseverance, you can cultivate these habits and lay a strong foundation for your New Year. Each habit you adopt gradually refines your lifestyle, creating a positive cycle that fuels your success throughout the year. So, how should you start? Here is a guide:

  1. Set achievable habits: Instead of focusing on grand and often unreachable goals, aim for smaller, more achievable habits. For instance, if improving your health is a goal, start by adding more vegetables to your diet or taking a 15-minute walk every day.
  2. Consistency is key: Maintaining consistency is more valuable than the occasional intensive effort. Set a schedule for your new habits and stick to it. Progress might be slow, but it is sure.
  3. Adapt and adjust: Don’t be discouraged if a habit doesn’t stick right away, or if it becomes overwhelming. It’s okay to adapt and adjust based on your experience. Remember, flexibility can be your ally.

Moving on, let’s look at some key areas where adopting healthy habits can make a significant impact on your life.

Area Healthy Habit Examples
Physical Health Regular exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep
Mental Health Meditation, yoga, engaging in hobbies
Relationships Open communication, regular check-ins with loved ones, expressing gratitude
Financial Health Monthly budgeting, regular savings, investing wisely

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

It’s absolutely normal if progress seems slow. The key is to start small and stay consistent. And while it is important to be disciplined, don’t forget to be kind to yourself in the process. Every step you take towards adopting just one healthy habit is a victory worth celebrating.

Adopting healthy habits is an ongoing journey, rather than a destination. It is all about learning and growing. As the stunning sunrise heralds a brand new year, it also brings with it the promise of countless opportunities for healthy changes. Harness those opportunities and make this New Year a productive odyssey filled with achievements and happiness.

Master the Art of Time Management: A Crucial Step for Success

Time, as it’s often said, waits for no one. It is an equal-opportunity resource; each of us, no matter who we are or what we do, gets the same 24 hours in a day.

When the new year begins, we are handed a brand new set of 365 days. How we use each of these days can directly impact the success of our goals for the year. That’s where mastering time management comes into play.

Time management isn’t about squeezing as many tasks into your day as possible. It’s about simplifying how you work, doing things faster, and relieving stress. It enables you to take control of your life rather than following the flow of others. As you achieve more each day, make more sound decisions, and feel more in control, people notice.

“Time management is not a peripheral activity or skill. It is the core skill upon which everything else in life depends.” – Brian Tracy

Let’s consider some effective ways to master the art of time management:

  1. Start Your Day with a To-Do List: The simple act of writing down your tasks for the day helps you focus.
  2. Prioritize Your Tasks: Not every task holds the same level of significance. Prioritize your tasks based on their relevance and deadline.
  3. Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines: Setting realistic goals within your timeline allows for more accurate planning and less stress—does this sound familiar?
  4. Quit Multitasking: Doing many tasks simultaneously often results in decreased productivity. Focus on one task at a time to improve accuracy and efficiency.
  5. Take Regular Breaks: Taking regular breaks between tasks can help increase productivity and creative thinking.

Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, but some people can accomplish many times more than others. This achievement is not due to superhuman abilities, but a question of how they manage their time.

So, as the new year approaches, pledge to master the art of time management. It’s a powerful step forward in starting the year off right and set you on a path of success.

It’s Not Enough to START the New Year Right, You Must Also Stay Motivated

Indeed, I understand that keeping the New Year’s momentum going can sometimes be a challenge. You start the year off with high energy, vibrant goals, and a clear vision of what you want to achieve. However, as weeks and months pass, your focus might start to dwindle, and the motivation begins to wane. So here are a few tactics that can turn things around for you.

First, maintaining motivation is all about striking a balance and seizing the precious moments of personal time you have. There’s nothing like celebrating small wins; it can electrify your spirit, boost your confidence and provide the motivation to aim for the next target.

  • Quick Walks: Taking short walks can uplift your mood. The fresh air can help clear your mind, providing a new perspective on your goals.
  • Active Breaks: Incorporating short workouts or quick stretches into your break schedule can keep you energized and focussed throughout the day. Plus, exercise is known to boost serotonin, the feel-good hormone that keeps you happy and motivated.
  • Self-Congratulation: Treat yourself to something nice when you achieve a smaller target on the way to your big goal. This not only gives you something to look forward to but can also serve as a reminder of your progress.

If you think of your life as a symphony, this next strategy could be the perfect melody line. Ever thought of embracing the power of Collaborative Goals? We often forget the electrifying power of collective energy towards achieving a common goal. Be it a workout buddy, a study group, or a business partner; shared goals can motivate you to keep pushing even when your energy levels are low. It creates a space of accountability and encouragement, lightening the challenges along the way.

Another invaluable technique in your motivation arsenal is the Art of Visualization. When you visualize your goals and the process of achieving them, your subconscious begins to work towards this reality, making it easier to remain motivated.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” – Albert Einstein

Lastly, don’t forget to be patient. Keep your eye on the long-term goal, and remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Stay motivated, stay on track, and welcome the New Year with a resilient spirit and heart full of hope. Encourage yourself to pursue your dreams, and remember, nothing worthwhile was ever achieved without effort and persistence.

start the new year right

Tracking Your Progress: Making Your New Year Goals Tangible

Every goal, no matter how colossal or minuscule, becomes manageable when you break it down into measurable steps. Recognizing and tracking your progress is an essential strategy that helps turn your New Year’s resolutions from mere wishes to tangible realities. But where should you start in tracking your progress? How do you decide what to measure and what not to?

Start by Identifying Trackable Elements

First off, think about what success looks like for your goal. Then, consider which elements of that success you can measure. If your New Year’s resolution is to improve your fitness, measurable elements could be minutes spent exercising, calories burned, or improvements in weight, body fat percentage, or overall general wellness.

Choose a Tracking Method That Makes Sense For You

Once you’ve identified what to track, decide on a system for tracking and recording your progress. This could be as low-tech as a paper journal, or as high-tech as a dedicated app or tool. The critical point is that your method fits into your daily life naturally, increasing the chances that you’ll stick with it throughout the year.

Making Improvements Along The Way

It’s also important to note that tracking isn’t just about recording- it’s about evaluating and adapting. Every so often, take some time to reflect on your progress, see what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments accordingly. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint—be patient and kind to yourself along the way.

Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate your wins—both big and small. Rewarding yourself for the progress you’ve made along the way can keep your motivation high and your eye on the prize!

In conclusion, tracking your progress can be a powerful tool in making your New Year’s resolutions stick. So start early, stay consistent, and watch your progress soar!

Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies to Break through New Year Resolution Barriers

As we march into the New Year, it’s only natural that we’ll face challenges and encounters with obstacles. When these barriers arise, don’t allow them to knock you off course. Instead, use practical strategies to overcome, learning and growing as a result.

Strategy 1. Create Flexible Plans

While it’s wonderful to have a solid plan, it’s equally important to accept that life is unpredictable. Establish your goals with room for flexibility. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t see it as a failure. Instead, adapt your plan and continue moving forward.

Strategy 2. Reframe Your Thinking

Many obstacles are merely a matter of perception. The way you frame problems can directly influence how you cope with them. Instead of seeing obstacles as a negative, view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Strategy 3. Develop a Support Network

Who said you have to do everything alone? Develop a network of friends, family, or likeminded individuals who can offer encouragement, advice, and support. This kind of social reinforcement can be a powerful motivator and can provide necessary perspectives or solutions when obstacles emerge.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Each day, each week, each month brings new opportunities to move closer to your goals. Stay positive, focused, and ready to overcome any barriers you may face.

Strategy 4. Practice Self-Care

Your physical and mental health should always be a top priority. Taking care of yourself will give you the energy and clarity you need to face any challenges that come your way. This could involve daily physical exercise, healthy eating habits, mindfulness techniques, or simply ensuring you get enough rest.

Strategy 5. Be Patient

Real change and overcoming big obstacles doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself the grace of patience. Understand that progress might be slower than anticipated, but keep going. Every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

All these strategies work symbiotically to help you navigate and overcome obstacles. The New Year will certainly serve up challenges, but with these strategies in your toolkit, you have everything you need to conquer them and flourish.

Step into Success: Create the Environment to Start the New Year Right

Crafting a conducive environment is one of the key steps in steering your year towards success. A winning environment not only fosters your determination and endurance but also provides an optimal setting for developing and refining your skills towards accomplishing your New Year’s resolutions.

To start with, evaluate your surroundings. Your environment plays an unmatched role in shaping your behaviours, habits and attitudes. Whether it’s your home, workplace or any other place where you spend a significant amount of your time, ensure that it supports your purpose.

  • At home, create a peaceful and inspiring setting to start your day right. Designate a corner for meditation or daily planning. Install motivational posters or notes to keep your goals in sight.
  • At work, organize your workspace to enhance productivity. A clutter-free space promotes focus and efficiency, while personalized elements can boost your mood and creativity.

Next, identify the key influencers in your life. They could be family, friends, colleagues, or mentors. These are the people whose words and actions can either fuel or derail your new year’s journey. Aim to foster relations that are positive, supportive, and growth-oriented while minimizing interactions that are unproductive or negative.

Supplement your environment with a good learning ecosystem. Engage with stimulating materials and sources that encourage personal and professional development. Enroll in courses, read insightful books, listen to podcasts or engage in networking events. This will not only keep you informed and abreast with the latest trends but also keep you motivated along your journey.

Lastly, embrace the power of positive reinforcement. Celebrate every progress, no matter how small, because progress is progress. This will leverage your motivation and help you stay on track.

Remember, creating a winning environment is iterative. It allows you to fine-tune your surroundings and relationships as per your evolving needs and goals. Step into this new year with a resolution to be in control of your environment and, thus, your success.

Visualize Your Victory: The Role of Positive Imagery in Achieving Goals

Visualizing your victory is a potent tool in your New Year goals blueprint. This mental technique involves repeatedly imagining the successful completion of your goal. By consistently visualizing the desired outcome, you can prepare your mind and even your body to achieve it.

For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, visualize yourself crossing the finish line triumphantly, amidst cheers and applause. You’ll likely find that these images embolden you in your endeavor and make your goal feel more achievable.

Remember, visualization is not about hoping or wishing. It’s about mentally preparing for success. It’s a way of ‘pre-experiencing’ the victory, and this can have quite a profound impact on your motivation and determination.

Let’s take a deeper dive into some notable benefits of visualization, along with straightforward ways to incorporate it into your routine as you head into the New Year.

Benefits of Visualization

  • Motivation Boost: Regularly visualizing success can spark and sustain your motivation, making your goals seem more tangible and within reach.
  • Increased Confidence: Visualization allows you to see yourself successfully overcoming hurdles and challenges, boosting your self-confidence and self-belief.
  • Improved Focus: Visualization techniques can enhance your ability to focus on your goal, blocking out distractions that can derail your efforts.
  • Ability to Cope with Setbacks: With positive visualization, you can mentally rehearse overcoming obstacles, which can significantly improve your ability to cope with real-life setbacks.

How to Incorporate Visualization in your Routine

To truly harness the power of visualization, incorporate it into your daily routine. Here’s how:

  1. Set a Regular Time: Find a quiet moment in your day, perhaps first thing in the morning or right before bed. Dedicate this time to your visual imagery practice.
  2. Detail your Imagery: When visualizing, focus on the specifics. Hear the sounds, feel the emotions and visualize the actions you’re taking. The more detailed the imagery, the more powerful the impact.
  3. Use Positive Affirmations: Accompany your visualization with positive affirmations. Reiterate your capability and commitment to achieve your goals.
  4. Repeat the Visualization: Consistency is key. Just as physical practice enhances skills over time, so does your mental rehearsal. Make it a habitual part of your routine.

So, as we head into the New Year, remember that visualization is not just daydreaming. Think of it as your mental rehearsal for success. Embrace it, trust it and watch as you flourish with an energized motivation and a firm action plan.

Say Yes to No: The Power of Rejection as You Start the New Year Right

Starting the new year with gusto is commendable, but maintaining that fiery resolve all year long can be a daunting task. A critical yet often overlooked strategy for achieving your New Year’s resolutions is learning to say “no”. Consider this an exercise in setting boundaries and prioritizing your obligations wisely. Here’s how this potent, two-letter word can transform your journey in the upcoming year.

Understanding the Power of “No”

Each of us has only 24 hours in a day, and precious few of those are yours alone. Constantly saying “yes” to others can drain your time and energy, leaving you depleted and unable to pursue your own goals. By learning to say “no”, you can better manage your resources and dedicate them to what truly matters: your own personal growth and achievement.

“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” ― Warren Buffett

Thus, embracing the power of “no” allows you to focus your resources on the vital few things that can make the biggest impact on your life. It’s an exercise in setting priorities, focusing solely on what aligns with your New Year’s resolutions. Remember, “No.” is a complete sentence.

The Art of Saying “No”

While the concept of saying “no” seems straightforward, it can be challenging to put into practice. Here are key tips to help you master the art of saying “no”, enabling you to safeguard your time, preserve your energy, and stay focused on your New Year’s resolutions:

  1. Recognize your priorities: Knowing what’s most important to you is the first step to decision-making. Ensure your “yes” aligns with your key priorities, and feel empowered to say “no” to anything that doesn’t.
  2. Be assertive, yet respectful: Saying ‘no’ doesn’t mean you have to be rude. Be assertive yet respectful in your response.
  3. Eliminate guilt: Remember, saying “no” is about preserving your energy for what truly matters; release any guilt associated with prioritizing your needs.
  4. Take time to think: If you’re unsure, consider asking for time to think before responding. This way, you avoid hasty decisions that you may later regret.

By mastering the art of tactfully saying “no”, you empower yourself to remain focused on your goals, eventually paving the way for a successful New Year.

Leap of Faith: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

Starting a New Year comes with its share of excitement and anticipation – a fresh start with endless possibilities. However, inevitably, it also means facing a certain amount of fear and apprehension. This fear can stem from various sources: the uncertainty of the future, the pressure to achieve set resolutions, the worry of falling back into old habits, or even the fear of trying something completely new. The key to overcoming these fears is to consider them not as obstacles but stepping stones towards embracing change and creating new opportunities. And that involves a leap of faith.

Embracing change is an integral part of any self-growth journey and is especially important when starting a new year. Each New Year presents you with a chance to reinvent yourself, to step out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons. Embracing change means being open to new experiences, adapting to different scenarios, and making the most of ensuing opportunities.

Is it scary? Sure, it can be. But as Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” This essentially sums up the significance of a ‘leap of faith’ in overcoming fear and embracing change.

Here are three key strategies to help you take that brave leap forward:

  1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness involves staying completely grounded in the present moment, acknowledging your fears but not letting them control your actions. And there are various ways to cultivate mindfulness, such as meditation, deep breathing, or guided imagery.
  2. Build self-confidence: Reinforce your capabilities and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. This uplifts your spirit, boosts your self-confidence, and equips you with the courage to face fears and embrace change.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Positive influences in the form of friends, books, or motivational videos can work wonders for your mindset. They can rekindle your spirit, inspire you to push boundaries, and make that leap of faith a little bit easier to take.

Remember, each New Year brings a wealth of opportunities and possibilities. All you need to do is take a deep breath and leap forward with an open heart and an open mind. Use this New Year to face your fears, embrace change, and script a spectacular story of personal growth.

Good luck, and here’s to a year of courage and positive change!

Living Large: Expanding Your Comfort Zone as You Start the New Year Right

As we bid farewell to one year and welcome the next, it’s the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. That imaginary circle of safety you’ve built around yourself? It’s high time we expanded it. Living large is all about embracing the unfamiliar and the unexpected. It’s about daring to do things differently, to rise above the everyday, and to truly realize your potential.

Why is it important, you may ask? Well, pushing your boundaries serves as a catalyst for personal growth. It stimulates creativity, resilience, and can lead to significant accomplishments. What a marvellous way to begin a fresh year, wouldn’t you agree?

Let’s explore a few ways to expand your comfort zone and embrace the opportunities that the new year brings:

  • Tackle Something New: Pick up a new hobby, learn a new language, or even switch up your fitness routine. Trying new things can be exhilarating and, quite often, an exciting route to self-improvement.
  • Face A Fear: Fear is natural, but don’t let it limit you. Whether it’s a fear of public speaking or adventure sports, gently challenge yourself to confront these fears piece by piece.
  • Learn From Others: Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Their unique perspectives and experiences can nudge you towards new adventures and insights.
  • Adopt A Growth Mindset: Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, view them as stepping stones to development. Nourish a mentality that thrives on learning, not on perfection.

Remember, the aim is not to make yourself uncomfortable, but to broaden the spectrum of what feels possible. So, as the New Year dawns, let the spirit of courage guide you towards living large. Carry this feeling with you throughout the year, and watch as you surpass what you thought were your limits.

Exciting, isn’t it? As author Neale Donald Walsch says,

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” So why not take the leap this New Year?

That’s a Wrap! Now You Know How to Start the New Year Right!

It’s time to put a ribbon on what you’ve learned. You now have the blueprint to kick start the New Year with success, gusto, and determination. From setting practical, meaningful goals, maintaining a positive mindset, to managing your time efficiently and tracking your progress, we’ve covered all the bases. But remember, knowledge is only the first step. Now it’s time for implementation!

Let’s revisit a few key points:

  1. Set a strong foundation: Your journey into the New Year should begin with setting well-defined, achievable goals. Remember, your goals should be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
  2. Nurture Positivity: Bolstering a positive mindset allows you to face challenges head-on and keep your focus on the endgame, no matter how big the hurdles seem.
  3. Manage time wisely: Wield the power of time management to ensure you’re utilizing every precious minute of your day effectively.
  4. Monitor progress: Regularly keeping tabs on your progress will allow you to stay motivated, make necessary tweaks, and, most importantly, celebrate the little milestones along the way.

Above all, remember: your journey into the New Year is unique. No two paths are the same, and comparisons will only lead to unnecessary roadblocks. So, embrace your journey, your speed, and your accomplishments. Your New Year success story is yours to write and yours to tell.

As you prepare to make this New Year your year, do not forget the unyielding power of a can-do attitude, visualize your success frequently and say ‘no’ when necessary. Above all, seize the day, take a leap of faith, step out of your comfort zone and embrace change.

Put these strategies into action, and there will be no stopping you from starting the New Year off right and making progress towards your personal and professional aspirations. The turning of a new year always brings a fresh start; it’s what you do with that start that counts. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step closer to your goals.

You are capable. You are powerful. You have everything you need to make this New Year your best one yet. Believe in yourself, stay committed, and watch as you transform your dreams into reality.

Now, go shine. Here’s to a successful journey into the New Year!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall – Affirmations for Success

Mirror Mirror on the Wall – Affirmations for Success

Hi Ladies, Gregg here and today I need to talk to you about affirmations for success!

Affirmations once had a bad rap. I remember an old Saturday Night Live skit with Al Franken where he looked in the mirror and stated; “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” Then, years later, the science behind affirmations started to seep through. Today, they are one of the most powerful tool I use to succeed in my goals.

Affirmations can make you feel silly at first but do NOT underestimate the power of them. I do them myself and have helped hundreds of women, some with serious issues, change their lives JUST by using affirmations.

Many people say bad things about themselves hundred’s of times per day and, unless they counter these thoughts, the negativity slowly poisons them.

Remember, you didn’t say these bad things when you were a little kid did you? No. Society, our parents, our failed relationships etc. etc, told our brains we are bad people and it’s our fault.

And we believed it.

Let’s replace these negative thoughts with positive ones! If you tell yourself good stuff all day long, every day, for about 33-66 days, your brain will start to believe it, just like it believed the bad stuff and BAM, negative Nelly will be dead and you will jumping for joy.

The brain has no choice but to believe what you tell it to believe…this ain’t hocus pocus – THIS WORKS!!!

The mirror is where it all happens for most people, especially women. The mirror is the conduit for the negativity. Every time you see yourself in the reflection, the negativity starts. That’s why written, positive, notes on your mirror are critical! “I can love”, “I can commit.” Whatever suits you, say it.

You won’t believe it at first but that is OK – SAY IT!!

Then move away from the mirror, for 10 minutes, 15 minutes and keep saying the positive thought – the affirmation. You will find your bad thoughts slowly return – that’s normal and okay. Go farther and farther from the mirror until you can stay positive for 1/2 of a day and then 1 full day.

I named my evil voices – Burt (the parrot) and Ernie (the lizard who eats parrots)! Burt was my bad voice who sat on my left shoulder spewing crap and stomping out my dreams.

Suddenly, and purposely, Ernie appeared as my positive voice to save the day on my right shoulder. They did battle! It was silly, stupid, and funny! I found I was talking to myself out loud all day but who cares – I did it anyway.

Then, after 3 weeks, it all stopped because Burt could not take it anymore and he croaked! And WOW, how free I was that day – I will never forget it.

So if you want to learn more and see how Affirmations will work for you, please read my book Comfortable In Your Own Shoes.

I even made a free eGuide to help my wonderful readers like you, Own Your Tomorrow: Gregg’s 20 Confidence Building Tips

3 Steps to Become a Guy Magnet

3 Steps to Become a Guy Magnet

Want to Be a Man Magnet? Following These 3 Steps

We’ve all known at least one Chick Magnet — from the guy ALL the girls had a crush on in high school to the distinguished older gentleman at the nursing home who makes every lady in the joint swoon – they do exist. It’s an undeniable fact.

Some guys just ooze attraction. He may not always be the most handsome, have the biggest muscles, or drive the nicest car, but there is just something about him.

What about you? Is there such a thing as a woman who oozes attraction? And if so, how do you become a guy magnet? Good news – Guy Magnets do exist! Better news – it’s not difficult to learn. The secret to drawing men is this simple: it’s all about confidence.

Did you ever have a friend who was not as pretty as you, but for some reason she stole the attention of every guy in the room, much to your dismay? Did you ever see a solid 5 walking hand in hand with an absolute 10 and wonder, how did that happen?

Did you ever meet a man who was not at all your personality type, but ten minutes into the conversation you suddenly become VERY attractive to him? You can thank confidence.

Sure a great body and a beautiful face will get you dates, but most men — and women — can see past the superficial very quickly. Giving off an apprehensive vibe and insecure body language can make a 10 become a zero in no time.

When you are unsure of yourself, it shows, and it’s a definite turn off. Instead of shining, you fall flat. What can you do to change things and become the belle of the ball?

No magic wand is going to do that for you. You have to decide to make the change yourself, by adjusting your outlook and attitude.

Become a Guy Magnet Step 1: Love Yourself

I’m not saying you should boast about how amazing you are to every man you meet. That’s not going to help you win dates and influence people, but if you love yourself, it WILL show and others will love you too.

Loving yourself means looking inward and appreciating what is good about YOU.

Cut yourself some slack about your perceived imperfections, and feel comfortable in your own shoes. Stop putting yourself last. Make time for yourself, mind, body and soul. Banish negative thoughts, and focus on the positive. After all, no one will love you if you don’t love yourself.

Step 2: Be True To Yourself

To become a guy magnet, trying to act like something or someone you are not is never a good thing. If anything, it just shows you lack confidence. And the truth WILL catch up with you in the end. So save yourself time and heartaches and just be YOU!

You have your own hobbies and interests so do what you love, surround yourself with people who accept you as is, and be seen for the amazing person you are! Not the fake person who pretends to be something she’s not. When in doubt, be true to yourself.

Step 3: Value Yourself

There is nothing more attractive than confidence. You are a woman of value who can have her pick of men. All you need to do is believe it. Boost your feelings of self-worth by throwing yourself into work you love, and activities which help you feel good about yourself and your talents.

Do this and you will be the ultimate man magnet – guys will love you!

Think about all the things you do to help people, your achievements, and all your strengths as an individual. Surround yourself with friends and family who support you and love you unconditionally. Trust your intuition and wisdom, it won’t steer you wrong.

Now you know the secret to becoming a Guy Magnet. No one changes overnight, but if you work on building your confidence you will notice a difference in the way people perceive you, and before you know it, it will be you who steals the attention of all the guys in the room! So tell me, who holds the cards now?

Love yourself, be true to yourself and value yourself and the right man will follow!

Do Your Surroundings Suck?

Do Your Surroundings Suck?

Are you surrounded by toxic food? Toxic work ethics? Toxic people?

It occurrs to me, through my coaching, that many of you cannot get out of your own way, not because you aren’t trying, but because your surroundings are detrimental to your growth. To put it bluntly – your environment sucks!

Hello again, Gregg here to weigh in on this important subject!

I’m sorry, but if your roommate just shoves tacos down her throat while watching reality shows with her loser boyfriend all day, and your Mom calls every afternoon wondering what you are going to do with your life, then it’s time for change. Misery loves company – and it’s time to take a hard look at what is contributing to your own misery.

Change comes from within, but to begin making changes, it is important to surround yourself with a support system that motivates you, not one that holds you back. As part of your new vision and goals, there must be a clause stating how you are going to break free from the “bad company.” And I’m not talking about the 80’s band here.

Talk to your friends and family and get them on board with your goals.

Ask them to support you, and maybe even join you, in reversing weight gain, taking on a new career or in your effort to quit smoking. You will be surprised, when you ask them, just how supportive they can be. If they aren’t, then lose these friends or (in the case of family) limit your exposure to times when you can handle their misery.

Reach out to new people

I talk about having mentors in your life all the time. Go out, find, and follow these people. Make new friends and hang out with the winners. These are the few that share your passions, love to try new things, and have the ability to shut down their electronics for a second to share an actual thought!

Clean out your environment

Unplug the Xbox, clean out the junk food in the cupboards and launch Shaun T’s T25 CD workout, then watch your endorphins dance after this massive calorie-killing workout!

Have your kindle or IPad charged and beside your favorite chair, loaded with my dating books! Set up an area outside so you can get out there during nice weather and do a few activities. Inside, make a few changes that will symbolize the changes to come. Make things brighter and throw some positive sayings up on the wall. Set up a yoga and meditation area!

Conclusion

Your surroundings might be the roadblock to your success. Look around and take inventory. Make sure that your outside, negative influences are minimized, if not gone.  Incorporate these 3 things into your new goals (you are setting new goals, right?) and watch the magic happen!

The Role of Confidence in Dating

The Role of Confidence in Dating

If you read any of Gregg’s books, or many of the blog posts or pages on this site, you see the word “confidence” quite often, and you’re probably wondering why on earth we harp on confidence so much. It’s Kirbie today, and I’m going to start off by clearly defining what confidence is:

Confidence is knowing what you are good at, what kind of value you bring to other people, and being able to behave in a way that conveys your confidence to those around you.

Don’t confuse confidence with arrogance – something that is easy to do! Arrogance comes about when you believe you are better at something than you really are, but you act as if you’re providing more value than you really are. Confidence is hot. Arrogance is not.

Studies have shown that men are more attracted to the confidence a woman exudes with a smile than they may be to her overall attractiveness.

In the study cited above, men and women were both found to prefer a confident partner. Confidence makes a person seem more trustworthy – in other words, when you’re confident, men will believe your dating sales pitch!

Here are a few ways you may unknowingly be showing your lack of confidence

Giving reasons for things that happen

Let’s say you are walking up to meet your new guy and you trip over something. Someone who lacks confidence will immediately begin with “There must be a bump in the carpet there!.” A confident person will probably chuckle and say “oh well” IF they say anything at all!

Giving reasons for poor performance

Imagine you and your guy are out on a bowling date – you manage to bowl a 75. Your man may say something like – “Wow 75! You’re like a bowling pro!” Whether it’s a high score for you or a low score, a low confidence individual may say something like “Weeelllllll I had a blister on my thumb and my shoes were too tight”. Someone who has great confidence will probably say something like “YAY ME!”, IF they say anything at all! I might note that this type of criticism from him shows his lack of confidence!

Compensating for Inabilities

Nobody, and I mean nobody, is good at everything, despite their desire to be. A person who lacks confidence expects herself to be good at everything and tries to compensate when confronted. For example, let’s say one of your girlfriends says “Girl you look really beat today!” If you’re a confident individual, you may just say “Yea I had a rough night” or something like that. A person who lacks confidence might say “I’m never tired! I don’t need sleep!”

Body Language is Everything

We’ve all heard about using body language to our best advantage. This goes for confidence as well. That arms-folded, legs crossed body language not only shows you as being closed off, it indicates a lack of confidence. Confident people reserve this position for when they’re absolutely freezing OR they have been offended. It really says something when you use it right!

Perfectionism

This kind of goes back to our poor performance above. Perfectionists don’t feel that they can ever make a mistake. This is a dangerous mindset. It can cause you much turmoil and stress. It can even be debilitating to some individuals. Facing an environment where failure may occur can be paralyzing for some folks. This goes back to not having enough confidence to believe in your abilities to overcome mistakes. Confident people know mistakes are part of life. Rather than sweat mistakes, they realize that a mistake is a learning opportunity and they move on.

Inability to Accept a Compliment

If someone pays you a compliment, how do you react? Do you get embarrassed and uncomfortable? If so, this shows a lack of confidence. The confident person will hear a compliment and simply say “Thank you”. Nothing more, nothing less.

Maintaining Eye Contact

If you lack confidence, you probably find it difficult to maintain eye contact with someone. In a relationship, this can be very detrimental as maintaining eye contact helps build intimacy and shows you are paying attention. When you don’t want to maintain eye contact, you are really indicating that you don’t want someone to look too far past your façade.

Decision Making

I once knew someone who took more than a year to buy a car. At the time, I couldn’t understand it, but now I get it. Poor guy (still) can’t make a decision to save his life. This is a typical experience for people who lack confidence. They don’t believe in their ability to make a decision about even the most basic things, so the biggies, like a car, can be paralyzing.

This list of signs is not complete, but these are the highlights. Look through and think honestly about your own life. Do you do any of these things? You don’t have to do all of them, and I think most of us can see ourselves in one of them, but the trick now is to identify whether or not you do lack confidence, so that as you build your confidence back up, you will see it in your actions – and so will others!

Create a Life Plan and Life Your Best Life

Create a Life Plan and Life Your Best Life

Consider this as we talk about how to create a life plan: most people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their lives. In fact, I believe it’s fair to say that many people don’t give having a life plan even one second of thought.

Most folks are actually wandering aimlessly through their lives, hoping for a bright future, wanting to plan that great vacation, wishing they had a better car or lived in a better part of town, but they don’t have a plan on how to realize those dreams.

Before we talk about how to create a life plan, let’s dig a little further into why you need one.

create a life plan

Why Do You Need to Create a Life Plan?

Create a Life Plan to Prioritize

When you wake up every morning, do you have a list of priorities for the day? Your boss probably has a list for you. Your children might need things from you that day, and your partner might need you to do a few things for him a well.

But what about you? What are your priorities for the day?

When you create a life plan, you know what’s important every day. All you need to do is refer to your plan to know what you should be doing.

Having a Life Plan Helps You Say “No”

Saying “No” is so difficult for many people, and it seems like demands on your time and energy are non-stop. You can’t prioritize anything for yourself because you have no time for yourself. You’re always doing for someone else.

Allow me to suggest this: being unable to say no is often an indicator of insecurity and low confidence. You’re afraid that if you say “No” to someone, they won’t be your friend anymore. They won’t love you anymore.

When you create a life plan, you have your own things that are important to you, and you can prioritize things properly. Maybe it is more important to take your child to the doctor than to take that class on creative writing. That’s okay. Learning to say “No” doesn’t mean you always say “No”. It just means you are able to weigh the request against your own priorities and decide based on that versus fear of losing a friend.

Create a Life Plan for a Better Future

This seems obvious I suppose. When you create a life plan, you’re thinking about your desired future. You envision that new car you want, the neighborhood you’d like to live in, the job you want.

When you have a life plan, you recognize where you are today so you know what steps you need to take to get where you want to be.

Imagine you want to take a trip across the country. What’s the first thing you do? You get a map, right? So you can chart your course. You plan.

Creating a life plan is the same thing. You’re creating a map of your life – you’re charting the course.

Develop a Sense of Balance with a Life Plan

Many people lack a balance between their work life and their personal life. They work far too many hours and spend little time with friends and family, all in an effort to get ahead.

The problem is that if you’re working without a plan, you may as well be playing one of those match-three games on your iPad. The result will be the same. Time wasted on something that got you nowhere.

When you have a life plan, your time is more mindfully allocated to things that are part of your plan. For example, if part of your plan is to develop a wonderful relationship with a loving man, and another part is to advance your career, you can allocate the appropriate amount of time to each because you now understand the value of both things in your life.

A life plan establishes priorities and priorities enable you to allocate your time.

CREATE YOUR LIFE PLAN

To help you get your life plan moving along, I’ve created a workbook that’s FREE for you to download TODAY! There are more than 30 pages to help you think though your life plan so your next year can be the best ever!

Create a Life Plan to Recognize Where You Are Today

Many people don’t want to create a life plan because they don’t want to take an honest look at their lives as they currently are.

Nobody wants to look at their finances to see that they owe thousands in unpaid bills. Nobody wants to see that they’re fifty pounds overweight or that their career has been stuck in the same place for years.

And yet, in order to get somewhere new, you need to know where you’re starting out.

If we go back to the trip across the country (and ignore tools like Waze and Google Maps for a moment), imagine taking that trip without knowing exactly where you are on the map today. Maybe you started out yesterday and got lost and now you don’t know where you are. How can you chart your course without knowing where you are right now?

You can’t.

Life Plans Eliminate Regret

I think many people have heard of the book written by a nurse who worked with dying people. She asked them what they regretted and many of them said opportunities missed, or things they didn’t do.

You don’t want to be one of those people who reaches their 80’s or 90’s still holding onto a list of things you wish you’d done. Having regrets brings about a sense of disappointment and discouragement. You start wishing you were younger so you could go back and do life differently.

Instead of having those regrets, why not change things now? Even if you’re in your 60’s, it’s not too late to change course and create a plan. Who knows, you could live into your 100’s. That means you’ve got 40 years left!

create a life plan

When You Create a Life Plan, You Have That Roadmap

Now let’s imagine that you want to drive from New York City to Sacramento. In fact, let’s say you want to drive from the Upper West Side of New York City to Sacramento. THAT is something you can map out.

With a life plan, you can look at your life today, maybe as a server in a restaurant for example, and see that in order to own your own restaurant, you need to take some important steps.

You can research what you need to do, be, and have to own a restaurant. You can create a plan to take classes, get a second job to save money, and any other steps that are required.

Perhaps you’ve been in your job since college, maybe six or seven years, and you’ve come to realize that you hate the career path you’ve chosen and wish you’d gone into something else.

A life plan helps you create the map for that new career. What classes do you need to take? What changes in your lifestyle might you need to make to afford making this massive change? Who can help you?

Having a Life Plan Turns Dreams into Reality

We’ve been tapdancing around this throughout the last few paragraphs, but here it is. How many times do you catch yourself sitting at your desk daydreaming of a different job or a better life?

How many times have you wished for something?

Those are dreams and without creating a life plan, that’s all they’ll ever be. With a life plan, those dreams can become a reality! How awesome would it be to work your dream job? How great would it be to drive the car you’ve always wanted? How cool would it be to feel confident and hopeful instead of disappointed?

And Finally, Having a Plan Creates a Realistic Timeline

People often underestimate the amount of time it will take to reach a goal.

I can lose 30 pounds in a month!

Perhaps if you don’t eat anything for a month you can, but otherwise, this is most likely an unrealistic and unhealthy goal.

I want to get a new job by the end of the year. This is a nice goal, unless it’s December 15. Getting a new job can be very challenging for a variety of reasons, but if you’re unrealistic about what’s involved in the process and how long it will take, you’ll become discouraged and disappointed way too soon.

I want to get a nursing degree next year. This is a great goal if you’re already in a nursing program and have just a year to go, otherwise, it’s a little unrealistic as nursing school is not a one-year program.

As you read previously, when you create a plan, you acknowledge where you are right now. The next thing you do is decide where you want to be.

I weigh 200 pounds today. I want to weigh 130 pounds.

Now, we’re getting somewhere! You have a beginning and an end. If it were me, I’d research some healthy weight loss goals. Then, I’d research what things will help me reach that goal – probably a healthier diet with smaller portions, more water, less sugar, and exercise of some sort. I might even look into hiring someone to help me, like a personal trainer.

With all of that in hand, I can now create a timeline to lose seventy pounds in a healthy way.

create a life plan

How to Create a Life Plan

Now that you have some ideas as to why you need to create a life plan, we can look at some ways to go about it.

I have created a template for you to use. You can download it here.

Steps Toward Creating Your Life Plan

Start with Where You Are

The first thing to do in creating a life plan is to acknowledge where you are right now. This doesn’t just mean noting how much is in your savings account or what your weight is.

It also means taking a look at what isn’t working for you right now. Where are your pain points, literally or figuratively? What frustrates you? What do you wish was different?

Setting goals around those things can be easier because you may be more motivated to make those areas of your life feel better.

Take an honest look at the key areas of your life and be real about where you are today. Don’t worry yet about where you want to be. Just focus on where you are.

The first activity in the life plan template will help you get started.

Remember, getting real with where your life is isn’t being negative about yourself. It’s about being honest with yourself. If you struggle with this activity right now, get a journal and write about your daily life. Things will rise to the surface.

Uncover Your Values

This is another thing most people don’t give a lot of thought to, and that’s one reason why their lives feel scattered and confused.

Whether you realize it or not,  your values are your compass, and if your life isn’t following those values, things feel out of sorts.

For example, you may value family, but you spend 16 hours a day at work or working at home, leaving little time for your family. Your life isn’t aligning with your values and you aren’t happy.

To determine your values, look back in your life to when you were happiest. What made that time feel so great? Next, look at the times when you were most proud. What was going on? Your next task is to identify the times when you felt the most fulfilled and satisfied. What was going on? Who was around?

Your values can be found in these moments. If you were happiest when you were working on your creative hobbies, you may value creativity.

The next page in the free life plan template will help you with this step.

Define Your Ideal Future

This life plan is about creating your ideal future, so it’s time to think about what that looks like. The template has boxes to help you brainstorm, and then fill in what you want your life to look like six months, one year, three years, and five years in the future.

It might feel a little foggy at first, but if you brainstorm for a few moments, things will come. Don’t judge your thoughts. Write it all down, regardless of how unattainable it might feel right now. You’re just brainstorming, not signing a contract.

CREATE YOUR LIFE PLAN

To help you get your life plan moving along, I’ve created a workbook that’s FREE for you to download TODAY! There are more than 30 pages to help you think though your life plan so your next year can be the best ever!

Call Them Goals Now

You’ve written where you want to be in the future and you know where you are now. If you’ve put this step off, it’s time to complete it. I know it can be scary to take an honest look at your life, but if you want to change, you can’t allow fear to get in your way.

Based on what you’ve written down for where you want to be in six months and beyond, pluck out the goals.

For example, if you want to be in a new job in six months, the goal might be to find a new job. If you want to be in a new career in five years, then the goal may include some education or training.

You don’t need a full plan yet, but it is time to determine what goals you can extract from your ideal future.

As with the previous steps, the life plan template will help.

create a life plan

Turn Them Into SMARTR Goals

What you wrote on your goals page is a great start. You probably wrote things like “weigh less”, “change jobs”, and so on. Those are great, but you need more details so you can create a life plan!

SMARTR goals are similar to SMART goals with an added and important kicker.

S stands for specific. Your goal should be very specific so you know exactly what you’re shooting for.

M stands for measurable. Every goal needs to be measurable so you will know when you’re making progress.

A stands for either attainable or achievable. They mean essentially the same thing. You must feel as if you can actually reach this goal. If you earn minimum wage as a server, a goal of saving $1M in three years might not be attainable.

R stands for relevant. Your goal should light you up. It should mean something to you. It should also align with your values. When you think about your goal, you get excited!

T stands for time-bound. You want to achieve your goal in a set amount of time. Again, this is a way to keep track of your progress.

R stands for rewarded. Many people leave this element out of goal-setting, but it can be a real motivator. In upcoming steps, you’ll create your plan and milestones for longer-term goals. Those milestones should have rewards. They motivate you and keep you excited about your goal. Just be sure the reward doesn’t counteract the goal. For example, any reward that requires you to spend a ton of money on a savings goal probably is not a great idea.

In the next worksheet in the life plan template, make each of your goals SMARTR.

Make a Plan

You’re in the homestretch now! You’ve done a TON of work but it’s about to pay off. You have goals and they’re SMARTR goals, so it’s time to make a plan.

How detailed or extended this plan is depends on the goal and your ideal future. This is the step during which you may adjust your timeline for the first time. As you create a plan, it sometimes becomes obvious that some steps need more time to complete.

For example, if you have a goal to move to a new career in which you have no education or expertise, and you originally stated in your ideal future that you wanted that in three years, you may discover that it will take an extra year to achieve the goal.

That’s okay! Goals should be flexible. Things happen and life sometimes takes you by surprise.

I know a college professor who’s had students with all sorts of issues come up. For example, he had a student last summer who had terminal cancer, but she was still working toward her degree.

Another student was due to have a baby during the third week of classes. She was in an online class and powered through.

As you create your plan, make sure to look for obstacles that can derail your timeline. Formulate a way around those obstacles now so you aren’t surprised later. For example, in the case of the student who was having a baby, she reached out to her professors and asked to move assignment and test due dates slightly so she wouldn’t miss anything.

If your goal involves weight loss, you may need to accommodate for holidays where there’s more eating.

If your goal is saving a specific amount of money, be sure to accommodate for emergencies.

Work Backwards From Your Goal

Some science suggests that you plan from the goal backwards. In other words, if you want to change your career from server to nurse, you need to look at it from being a nurse and plan backwards.

That might look something like this:

I am a nurse.

I have passed the state licensing exam for nursing.

I have graduated from nursing school.

I pass my nursing school classes.

I pass the classes I need to get into nursing school.

I have a job in the medical field, like a nursing assistant in a hospital or doctor’s office.

I’ve taken the classes to get a job in the medical field while I work on my nursing degree.

I’ve researched how to get into nursing.

I want to be a nurse.

This is obviously a simplified version of that timeline, but you can see how working from the goal towards where you are today can help you. Research the amount of time you need to complete each step so you can create an accurate timeline.

create a life plan

Boundaries

You might be wondering why we’re having a boundary discussion now. Do you remember at the beginning of the article when I mentioned that having a life plan helps you learn to say “No” to things?

The life plan is just one element of that. The second piece is that you need to set some boundaries.

This may be the most challenging part of your quest to create a life plan, but if you don’t take this step, you may have a few struggles with your life plan. Let’s look at an example.

We’ll imagine that you’re working toward a new career and you need to go back to school, The challenge is that you have young children at home and you need to work also to keep money coming in. This whole college thing is putting a real strain on your already precious time.

Don’t despair. This is still do-able. Think about your plan this way. By taking classes and setting boundaries with your family, you are teaching them to do the same. You’re showing them that hard work brings great rewards, and that people need boundaries.

What boundaries might you need? This, of course, depends on the age of your children. If they’re very young, you may need a babysitter. If they’re older, they will need to understand that when you’re studying, they can’t come up and ask to go to the mall, be dropped off at a friend’s house, and so on.

While you’re saying no to protect your study time, make a compromise with them. I can’t take you to the mall now, but if you let me study for another hour, we can go then.

Boundaries aren’t a way to be mean to people, but to show them how to treat you. Look at your life as it is now. Where do you feel the most frustrated when it comes to other people? When do you wish you could speak up and say what you really want to say? Those are probably places where boundaries can help.

Of course, I’m not going to leave you without a boundaries sheet in the life plan template! Would I do that to you?

Who Will Help You?

In an ideal world, we could do every single thing for ourselves by ourselves, but that’s not realistic. It can be scary to ask for help, but sometimes it’s necessary. In the life plan template, brainstorm who you may need to ask for help and how they might help you. People are often very willing to help you achieve your goals. True friends and family are rooting for your success!

It may also be that you don’t know exactly who will help. If you know you struggle with math but you need to take a few math classes for your new career, you can simply add in that you’ll need to visit the professor’s office hours or get a tutor.

Wrapping Up How to Create a Life Plan

This wasn’t like one of my usual articles in which I just share my sage advice with you. This time, you have actionable steps to take and a downloadable template to help you! I hope you find both the article and the template useful in your quest for a better life.

Let’s recap.

To create a life plan that works, you must start with the areas of your life and where you are right now. This can be a scary step, but it’s necessary!

Next, you need to figure out what your values are so you can align your goals with them for a happier journey.

After that, it’s time to brainstorm what you want and make your plan! Don’t forget to wrap up by determining what boundaries you might need to set and who can help you in your journey!

Best of luck to you as you move closer to your ideal life!

The first confidence building book for women and a best-seller, Comfortable in Your Own Shoes will prepare you to meet great men and enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. And not just any life, but a life you design for yourself. YOUR life your way! 

Are you ready to start planning that great life? Click below to get started today! There’s no time like now to live your life on your terms!

Unlock Your Potential: How a Personal Growth Coach Can Transform Your Life

Unlock Your Potential: How a Personal Growth Coach Can Transform Your Life

What is a personal growth coach?

Imagine having a supportive partner dedicated to helping you reach your potential and achieve your personal and professional goals. That’s what a personal growth coach can do for you! Coaches specialize in guiding you through critical aspects of your personal development, offering a unique approach tailored to your unique situation.

A good personal growth coach doesn’t just provide one-size-fits-all advice; he dives into various aspects of your life to get a complete picture. A personal growth coach like me can offer targeted strategies and provide actionable steps to help you succeed.

He’ll align his strategies with your long-term goals, making sure that every step you take leads you in the direction of your ultimate goals. By leveraging a coach’s expertise, you’ll find yourself not just dreaming about a better future, but taking positive steps toward it.

personal growth coach

What is the difference between a personal growth coach and a therapist?

While personal growth coaches and therapists both strive to help you improve your life, they differ significantly in how they approach helping you.

A personal growth coach focuses on helping you uncover your potential, set and achieve goals, and enhance various aspects of your personal and professional life. The approach often includes forward-thinking and goal-oriented coaching.

A therapist, on the other hand, works to diagnose and treat emotional or psychological issues you’re battling. This person may help you take a deep dive into your past so you can better understand and overcome trauma or mental health issues. Their job is to help you learn more about and understand the root causes of your struggle.

One big difference is in how they approach helping you. A personal growth coach places a high priority on actionable strategies that will help you get where you want to go and realize immediate results. A therapist uses more of a therapeutic approach and focuses on your past and helping you understand it so you can heal and enjoy long term positive mental health.

Each type of assistance plays an important role, but ultimately which you choose will depend on your needs. You’ll find many times in my books and articles that I recommend a professional therapist for certain situations. This is because I fully recognize that I cannot help you with everything.

What are the benefits of hiring a personal growth coach?

Hiring a personal growth coach is an investment in your future. He’ll work with you to help plan your journey forward. You’ll identify roadblocks and develop strategies for overcoming them. When you work with a personal growth coach, you’ll benefit in several ways.

A Personal Growth Coach Helps You Develop a Positive Mindset

I have a saying framed in my office that goes something like this: “A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset.” Mindset is everything and developing a positive mindset goes a long way in your journey to personal growth.

Elevated Self-Confidence

A personal growth coach will help you set small goals that you can reach easily, giving your self-confidence small continuous boosts. He’ll also be your cheerleader and the personal to hold you accountable.

Here’s more on building your confidence

Improved Communication Skills

Communication is everything, whether it’s in your personal or professional relationships. A personal growth coach can help identify the areas in which you can use improvement, which for most, means helping with listening skills, but aso in how you use communication to get what you want.

The Power to Communicate lies here

Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Limiting beliefs hold you back, but once you identify them, you’re better able to propel yourself forward. A coach helps you identify and challenge those limiting beliefs so you can put them behind you. Doing this is a huge step in your own personal growth journey.

Develop Great Resilience and Adaptability

Setbacks are a part of life, but they can be paralyzing if you don’t know how to deal with them. With a coach, you can learn how to bounce back from those setbacks and embrace new situations. He’ll provide you with the tools and help you develop the mindset to grow beyind your wildest dreams and navigate those setbacks.

Enhanced Overall Well-Being

Many believe growth is strictly professional, but it isn’t. It’s about every corner of your life, personal and professional. As a personal growth coach, I’m more interested in your personal growth, but I also know that with personal growth comes growth in all areas of your life.

You’ll learn how to manage stress, manage your emotions, and maintain a healthier lifestyle. You’ll enjoy positive mental and physical health as a result.

A good personal growth coach personalizes your growth journey to meet your needs and helps you create the journey that meets your goals. He guides you on how to manage setbacks and prepares you for growth in your future.

personal growth coach

How can I measure my progress with a personal growth coach?

Whenever you’re working on personal growth, it’s important to be able to measure your progess. The best way to do this is to set goals. Regardless of which goals you choose, a personal growth coach is there to help you develop that journey and see it through.

How to Set Live-Changing Goals

Use regular assessments

I find that the best way to do this is with regular assessments of where I am. I prefer a weekly review where I examine what went well, what didn’t go so well. Additionally, I review what I learned, and what I want to focus on during the upcoming week.

These assessments help me get real with myself and recognize where I can do better and also where I did really well. It’s important to recognize both, not so you can beat yourself up, but so you can realize that you have good things happen that you may otherwise overlook.

I teach you how to do this in Live Like You’re Dying, one of my many best-selling books!

Accept objective feedback

One great way in which a personal growth coach helps is by providing objective feedback. He can help you see those positive things and will also help you identify the growth opportunities in the areas in which you need a little more help.

Having someone to be accountable to keeps you honest and helps you stay on track. Fexibile excuses go out the window because a good coach simply won’t accept them, as they shouldn’t.

Of course, you can use a friend for accountability, but a friend might not want to help you identify the areas in which you need to improve or call you out on your excuses.

Measure your progress

In order to fully assess your progress, you need to measure your goals and your progress toward achieving them. I’ve developed a great workbook to help you with that, which you can find below. It’s very inexpensive but also very effective!

If you want to get started on goals, this book will help: Comfortable in Your Own Shoes.

How can a personal growth coach help me build self-confidence?

Personal growth almost can’t happen without building self-confidence along the way. Everything positive you do in your life boosts your confidence, even if it’s already high.

When you have self-doubt, a personal growth coach will help you identify where it’s coming from by looking through past experiences. He’ll help you evaluate and eliminate negative self-talk and identify the impact of the influences that have caused your confidence to decline over time.

Your personal growth coach will work with you so you can set realistic, achievable goals, enabling you to see that progress you just read about. When your goals are large, a coach will help you identify ways in which you can break them down into smaller, manageable steps. With each bit of progress, whether it’s a small goal, a milestone toward a bigger goal, or achieving a big goal, your confidence will grow.

A personal growth coach may encouage you to use journaling or guided meditations to develop a deeper understanding of your strengths, as well as areas in which you need improvement. When you do this, you develop a more compassionate and forgiving view of yourself, which also helps you build your confidence.

Don’t be surprised when you coach provides you with constructive feedback and holds you accountable for your progress. It’s his job to do both. His objective point of view gives you a more realistic look at where you are in your journey. He’s there to movitave you and help you stay committed to your journey, even when it feels like it’s too hard.

That’s a wrap on having a personal growth coach!

The partnership you form with a personal growth coach is invaluable and transformative. If you do the work and stay true to yourself and your coach, you’ll realize significant and positive change in all aspects of your life. Your confidence will grow and you’ll achieve your goals and you’ll feel so much better about everything!

Here are my final tips:

Don’t fight the journey!

I’m in my 60’s and I still embrace personal growth. I’m looking for new ways to grow and change all of the time. Celebrate your victories and learn from the challenges.

Listen to your coach!

Your coach will provide you with strategies he feels are the best for you. Some of what he suggests might be scary, and that might make you want to bolt, but remember, he has your best interest at heart!

Develop a relationship with your coach!

Your coach cannot help you if you don’t open up to him. This means learning to trust him, even if the coaching is all online. If you’re unsure of something he’s asking you to do, do a little research on your own and find out more about it.

Don’t give up on yourself!

Your coach isn’g going to give up on you and I don’t want you to give up on yourself or him either. Depending on how deep your wounds are, this journey can take some time, and you may find that you need a therapist after all. If that’s the case, get one! Giving up is not an option!

One final recommendation for you is this great workbook: How to Create Your Ideal Life. If you can’t afford coaching, the links in this article will help you go where you need to.

The first confidence building book for women and a best-seller, Comfortable in Your Own Shoes will prepare you to meet great men and enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. And not just any life, but a life you design for yourself. YOUR life your way! 

Are you ready to start planning that great life? Click below to get started today! There’s no time like now to live your life on your terms!

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