Turn Your New Year Resolutions Into Attainable Goals Through Aim, Focus, And Determination

So it has happened - a bright shiny new year is upon us. With the year 2008 now nothing more than a memory hopefully we enjoyed what we could while experiencing the life we created and were given. All the while growing along our way. Lessons learned over the course of our journey only strengthen our muscles of who we are and what we want to further accomplish in the year and 365 days ahead. After all, it is really about the journey and not solely the destination...right?

In the fifty (and now plus) years in which I have had the opportunity to welcome each New Year that in my lifetime, I have run through a variety of gambits. Sure during the first fifteen or so years of my life, New Years simply meant a time to maybe stay up to midnight, party with family and friends while marking the end of Christmas vacation. After I hit about 16 it came to be a time to make requests of my self and the universe to bestow upon me cool things for the year ahead. Some have worked out beautifully while others never seemed to move past the starting gate from January through December.

So what is the fuel that propels us forward as we look across the isles of our visions for the year 2000 and Nine. Streamlining business practices? Making more money? Getting more stuff in the form of a home, or car or other delightful belongings? Having more fun? Traveling about the world? Losing those unwanted belly hugging 20 pounds? Spending more time with loved ones or that special some one...or maybe even finding that special someone?

With the vast amount of possibilities that are available to us sometimes the simple task of getting focused is job one when looking at setting about a plan of action that will allow us to attain the resolutions that we set for ourselves in the year ahead. After all, a resolution is defined as a firm decision to do something. Therefore, we actually need to look at the "how" of what is going to take us towards that decision. Plans and steps that will take us there. That is where the goal setting comes into play.

When you set a goal, in order for it to be effective you absolutely need to be clear on the steps that are required to get you there. It's all in the details. That is if in fact you want to really to see your want and desire to come to life.

First, take a look at which Key Focus Area you are looking at concentrating on in the year ahead. They include:

• MENTAL - personal development, areas of knowledge, education
• SPIRITUAL - the commitment in faith, moral, ethical and spiritual needs.
• PHYSICAL - insuring the optimum physical condition of the body and mind.
• FAMILY - those closest to you, size and relationships
• SOCIAL - personal interaction with others and the image you present.
• CAREER - your business environment in both the short and long term vision.
• FINANCIAL - that which you wish to achieve monetarily

It is imperative while making a goal in one area that we pay attention to the other areas of our life that may affect the success of attaining that goal. For example, you want to build your company by a million dollars in sales yet also want to spend more time with family. This is perhaps one the most difficult tasks we have to face as women. The "doing it all" syndrome. While ye, you might indeed be able to get that extra income into your business and have the extra time for family...at what cost to the other areas of your life? Perhaps the physical, mental and spiritual parts of your life may be taxed or completely overwhelmed and/or ignored.

The key then would be to create your yearly plan of action to allow each of the Key Focus Areas to support each other. For example, at what marks in your business growth will you hire others to take on tasks and roles so that you can be assured of the quality family time you might desire. What exercise routine can you put into place, in advance, to assure that the extra stress of this extra business growth is held at bay?

And perhaps most importantly does it fit into your Definite Chief Aim? (For more information on creating your Definite Chief Aim see the home page of the VictoryCircles.com website for a free pdf worksheet)

The key to empowering yourself is giving your self road marks and check in points throughout the year to access how far you have come. To work with a buddy and ideally a coach who can help you to staying accountable. The encouragement from others along your way is invaluable. Especially, when the road before you gets way to dark and you are not sure which way to turn. We need to remember that we never need to go it completely alone.

So as you move forward with this year before you, envision yourself as January, 2010 rolls around. What do you want to really have seen on your journey in this year of 2009? Get ready! Aim! Focus! And with the utmost determination on how you will make this full and rich year that you won't soon forget.