As I move into the new
year, I think of making resolutions to change as so many of us do. In
just noticing the word "resolve," the first syllable feels like a
repeat or "do-over." The second syllable feels like finding
answers to a problem. When I contemplate this word, I ask myself whether
or not I am just finishing something from last year that did not get done.
If what I really want is change, then I need
something brand new.
I recently read a piece in
the opinion section of the LA Times by Pico Iyer called "In Search
of a Holiday" where he wrote, "A new year is a time to
reflect on change and to see what endures beyond the flash and grab of the
moment." What has endured for me are some basic principles about
life, work, relationships, and the human spirit. At the foundation of these principles is the idea that
our thoughts create our world. I discovered very early in life
that wherever I focus my internal attention on will impact my experience in our
physical world. That is why I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my
life and outcomes I hope to realize instead of dwelling on the negatives of
what “might happen.”
In this new year, I will
continue to have positive thoughts as a starting point for projects,
relationships, and any endeavor I undertake.
I recognize that I cannot totally
eradicate negative thinking but can balance it with positive anticipation
instead of anxiety and dread. I will keep present to the ideas my
colleague, Tamera Loerzel, shared in her October 15, 2008 post, Believe! Life
serves many challenges, which I choose to view as stepping stones to something
better instead of dead end streets. The activities that support thinking
positively for me include:
- Creating a
vision of what I want to accomplish --- What will success
look like for me in the future? What will it feel like, sound like,
taste like, smell like? Who am I going to share my vision for the future with? - Supporting
my vision with an action plan of specific tasks to be accomplished within a
certain time frame --
An article in the Orange County Register last month suggested
choosing one thing to change in 90 days. - Reviewing my
actions regularly to evaluate success -- Did I do what I had planned
to do? Did it work? If I’m off track, why? What can I do to
recommit? - Changing my
plan where needed -- Can I improve on this next time, and how?
What may have changed in my life to change my vision and my plan? What
new actions should I take?
I am considering sharing
the plan with a close friend and setting up a "buddy system" to
support each other in accomplishing our goals in 2009. This way, I will have
someone to be accountable to and can get another opinion on my action steps and
input as to how my plan is working. I may feel that I've made a change
that is phenomenal, but can someone else see that change, too?
My resolution for 2009 is
to begin this year with an action plan to
accomplish my goals rather than creating a hope for some change and wishing
that it somehow magically occurs. I like the idea of taking
just one thing at a time, and an action plan will help me identify the steps I
need to take. This will prevent me from becoming overwhelmed and not
achieving my vision. I look forward to an interesting and productive
year, and I can’t wait to see what I accomplish!
What are you committed to
accomplishing in 2009?
Warmly,
Sylvia Lane
P.S. Be sure to register for our web seminar this
month on Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking. Click here
for more information on what we will be covering and for registration details.
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