Get Your New Year in Gear

By Ginny Williams

"Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps."
~David Lloyd George

If you’re like many people you may have started the New Year with a list of resolutions or goals you wanted to accomplish in 2008. The beginning of the year is a natural time to think about what you want to improve or change in your life. But what if this year your resolutions are bigger and bolder than just changing a bad habit? Maybe your goals involve significant life changes such as finding a new career, starting a business, retiring, moving or finding your ideal relationship.

If you are considering one of these major, life-altering goals, chances are you’ve been pondering your decision for a long time. Maybe you’ve been thinking about how life could be different if only you could get started on the path towards your goal. Maybe you’ve been researching how to achieve this goal. And chances are you would like nothing more than to start jogging down that path right now, maybe even breaking into a full gallop. But hold on, not so fast!

Whatever big goal you are considering, it's a good idea to do a little mental check-in with yourself before you take your first step. This ensures you are ready, willing and able to move forward. It's important that you not skip over this opportunity to reflect on where you are now, compared to where you want to be. The following questions can help to ensure that you are taking the right steps, at the right time, for the right reasons. They'll also help you identify any potential obstacles that might slow you down.

1. Are you ready? As the saying goes, timing is everything. And it’s no different when it comes to pursuing a big goal. Is this the right time for you, mentally, physically and emotionally, to be embarking in a new direction? Are you ready to release any self-judgment, or the judgment of others, that may have held you back in the past? Do you have a powerfully compelling reason why you want to make this change?

2. Are you willing? It’s human nature to wish for many things. The challenge is knowing whether you are willing to do what it takes to turn your wish into reality. Are you willing to try new strategies that will help you to grow? Are you willing to let go of self-limiting beliefs? Are you willing to take calculated risks? Are you willing to feel like a beginner again? Are you willing to make mistakes along the way? Are you willing to seek out people and resources that can help to guide you in your journey?

3. Are you able? Do you have the confidence, discipline and drive to follow through? Are you able to commit the time and energy to moving your life in the direction you want it to go? Do you have the support of those closest to you? Do you have any unfinished business you need to bring to closure before beginning? Will your current circumstances (e.g., home, work, finances, relationships, health) help or hinder your progress?  

No matter where you are now, make 2008 memorable and fulfilling by empowering yourself to move directly towards the life you really want to live. Any change, whether large or small, is better than no change if it brings you closer to the life you have been imagining. Don't just seize the day…seize the whole year!