Prepare for Success in 2010

It IS a new year. How are you going to make this year better than last year? Nana says one way is to take inventory and set goals. How about trying this to prepare for the success you want.

1. Create a template on a sheet of paper.
On the left side write down what you say you value and desire such as time with friends, getting good grades, performing well at work or spending some quiet time alone.

On the right, make a scale from 1-10 (highest) and rate how much time and effort you actually put into these areas last year. (For instance, you say you are interested in performing well at work; however in review, you realize you do just enough to get by. You might rate "6" for this category.)

2. Target your focus: Review your ratings. Decide which areas are truly important to you, on which areas you are willing to action and upon which you want to improve in the coming year.

3. Categorize: Make a list of all these areas of things you want to be, do and have. Set it aside for a moment.

4. U-tube the Future: Now imagine that you have already lived through 2010. You surf the web and find a U-tube entitled: (Your name) Sandy's 2010 Review. Imagine yourself at the end of year. Think about what are you doing, who are you with, how you are feeling. What's new? What's been left behind?

5. Create a collage of your future: With the future fixed in your mind, rip out of old magazines pictures, phrases, words that represent what you desire in 2010. Don't over think it, just let your heart lead you. There are two ways to use your collection. One application is to paste some pictures in a design of your choice on a piece of construction paper or poster board. Put this collage on a wall where you see it daily. The more you see a picture of your future, the more you are energized to create it.

6. Step back and review: Study the list of categories in the first exercise and then at your collage. Add any areas in which you want to grow and change to your previous list.

7. Set goals: Much research has proven that people who write down goals are more likely to achieve them. Use SMART Goal Setting to make your dreams reality. (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Reasonable and Timely.)

Make your goals SPECIFIC.
Poor: I will do better in school (or) at work.
Better: I have asked my science teacher for tutoring to improve my grades. (or) I have received training in _______a specific skill to be more promotable.

Make your goals MEASURABLE.
Poor: I want to get better grades. (or) I want a promotion.
Better: I have tutored with my science teacher for a six week time frame and have raised my grade from a C to an A. (or) I have obtained ________certification, added to my work value and submitted my creditials for a new position.

Make your goals ACHIEVABLE.
You want to stretch yourself, but also not bite off more than you could possibly achieve.
If you've never learned a different language, being proficient in one month is not likely.

Make your goals REALISTIC.
Can you invest the time it will take to accomplish what you set out to do? Do you really want to do this? On a scale of 1-10, how high is your desire?

Make your goals TIMELY.
Affix a date and time to your goal. This serves as a computer chip in your brain. Once you set it, your body wants to make it real.
Example: I have benefited from six weeks of tutoring with my science teacher beginning February 1st and ending on March 5th and have raised my grade from a C to a B and am working on making it an A. (or) I have obtained my _____credentials in April and submitted my resume for a new position opened in May.

8. Affirm Your Progress: Affirmations are positive statements that have feeling words in them. They are written in the present tense as if you are enjoying the results of your efforts now. They are written for you, not for what you want someone else to do or be. (Not, I want Jim to act more respectful.) Use affirmations to support your goal in the exercise below.

9. Design your own Success Cards:
A)Take a sheet of card stock and make strips for each goal about 5" wide and about 6" long. On the top of the card, write your goal.

B) Skip spaces and write beneath your goal an affirmation of your obtaining that goal.

Example:
Goal: I have achieved an A in my Science class by tutoring with my science teacher. (or) I have a new position as a direct result of obtaining my certification in __________.
Affirmation: I am happily reaping the benefits of my tutoring with my science teacher and have received an "A" on my April report card. (or) I am confidently accepting a new position starting May 1st that is the direct result of adding value to my capabilities with a new certification.

C) Add a picture of your success: Select a portion of the magazine pictures and words and phrases you previously cut out plus a picture of yourself (Adding you in the collage enhances making your goal a reality.) This collection will represent your vision of achieving this goal in the coming year. Paste the collage of pictures and sayings on the back of your Success Card.

Now you have your goal statement, affirmation and a picture of achieving your goal all in one place! Nana recommends focusing on five goals which makes five success cards. Pretty cool, uh?

10. Create Momentum: Reap the payoff-- you move in the direction of the pictures in your mind.

For maximum impact read your goals, affirmations and pause for a moment to look at the pictures of your achieving your goals on your Success Cards once first thing in the morning and again just before bed. Keeping the cards by your bed makes for easy access. Of course, your cell phone or computer could work. Try it out and see what works best for you!

Nana Says: When you combine your desire, thinking and imagination (Creative Tools by Dr. Edna Lister) you can create wonderful outcomes! If fact you can create a NEW Year! Good Job!