Goal Setting

2002: Year in Review

As the year wraps up I encourage you to evaluate your year and spend some quiet time in self-reflection. What positive changes occurred for you in the year 2002? What goals did you pursue and make happen?

Many of my readers have seen their lives change in lots of measurable ways. They have e-mailed me to say they are taking better care of themselves, feeling more positive, are making healthier choices in their relationships, and are controlling less, or they are self-nurturing more. Have you made similar lifestyle changes?

As I write this column weekly I continue to want to inspire, encourage, and motivate you to find your passion and seek meaning in your life. Last January, I asked you to discard the notion that your New Year’s resolution would be focused on the typical goals—weight loss or exercise. Instead, I encouraged you to pick a word that could apply to the entire year and integrate it into your life. I got lots of e-mails from readers who said that they had found a word to incorporate into their year that symbolized how they wanted to change. Words such as moderation, balance, spirituality, communication, affection, gratitude, faith, positive thinking, down time, relaxation, fitness, and passion were picked to be their represented goals for the year.

How did you do with your word in 2002? Did you apply it with regularity? If you had to grade yourself, would you get a C+ or above? As 2003 approaches, it is time to pick another word that will enhance your life. What word best reflects a lifestyle change that you would like to make?

Many of you might remember that my word was inspiration. In my January 6, 2002 column, I wrote, “ that I wanted to stay open to things that were inspiring to me and pass that on to others.” If I could pass on one last tidbit of inspiration for 2002, it would be for you to live your life “in the moment”. People who live in the moment are mentally healthier than others who strive to be ambitious or who are overly competitive. When you live in the moment you are more successful because you become an expert at noticing what is around you. You aren’t as distracted and you are less likely to catastrophize. Therefore, you stay more confident and are more likely to achieve your dreams.

Coaching is about achieving a goal through careful planning and strategy. “Living in the moment” allows you to enjoy “what is”, which keeps you focused on the present. To learn more about his concept, I would recommend a powerful book called The Power of Now by Echert Tolle. It encourages you to practice the lifestyle of “enjoying and being in the moment”.

I feel much gratitude for this column and the opportunity to connect with my readers. I look forward to another great year of appreciating the blessings and opportunities that this column has given me. Please continue to write and let me know about your dreams, desires, and goals.

Pick your word and make your life work for you. Anything is possible when you’re willing to work on it with energy and a thoughtful plan.

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