MAKE 2011 THE "YEAR OF YOU"

If you're old enough you remember the "Etch-A-Sketch".  The cheap little black board with the 'magic' film that laid on top and the hard plastic pencil used to write or draw with on the pad.  If you wanted to start over, do something different, draw a new picture all you had to do was lift up the film and ta-da everything vanished like magic!  (OK so you had to be there when you got an Etch-A-Sketch in the 60's.)


I've heard from many people that 2010 was not the greatest.  So its time to lift the Etch-A-Sketch film and write how we'd like to see 2011.  Here's a few tips to help you plan for a fulfilling and exciting year.  Keep in mind...it's your choice.  This brand new year can be rewarding or regretful.  Make it rewarding by setting goals for yourself and resolve not to give up by the first week in February.  Be able to say, "Look how much I accomplished this year!


1.  Write it down.  You've heard it before, but the truth is writing down your goals forces you to get clear about what you want.  Use a pen and paper, not a computer.  Hand writing your goals makes you think!


2.  Tell someone.  Talking about your goal(s) even if it seems huge and impossible allows others to encourage and help you by providing resources and information you may need.


3.  Take baby steps.  Even small steps taken towards your goal(s) consistently will move you into the right direction.  Once you've experienced a few small wins, taking bigger steps will be easier.


4.  Take some BIG steps.  Don't take all year to do what you can accomplish in a day.  Once you've written down your list of goals for the year, figure out which goals could be accomplished this month - or even today.


5.  Decide and act.  Mental hurdles may keep you from making decisions and taking actions.  Get over it!  Make a list of all the reasons you want to accomplish your stated goals.


6.  Team up.  Having a success buddy can keep you accountable.  Meet regularly and discuss where you're at and any obstacles that need avoided.


7.  CELEBRATE Your successes.  Every time you reach a milestone, acknowledge your accomplishments in a positive way.  Celebrating your success will keep you focused on the larger goal.


Now go out and make 2011 the best year of your life!