Things I Like…

I’ve come across a couple resources recently I enjoy – things that make my business and personal lives easier, and make me feel better about how I’m investing my time and money:

www.levenger.com (thanks to my friend Carrie Dellinger for turning me on to this!)
www.diyplanner.com (thanks again to Carrie)
www.thehungersite.com (and its associated groups)
www.melaleuca.com

What are some things you like?  Share them here.

New Year’s “Resolutions”?

How many of you hate the phrase New Year’s Resolutions?  Show of hands? (I’m raising mine!).

The whole concept sets us up for failure. Every year we set resolutions – many times it’s the same one year after year – the one we never seem to accomplish (show of hands?).

This year, think of those as goals – or moving in a new direction.  The best way to achieve any goal is with consistent, persistent effort. 

Instead of deciding on January 1 that you want to lose 10 pounds this year, or change careers, or whatever your goal may be, think instead of one step you can make toward that goal.  You have 365 days before you set your next goal – don’t worry about making huge changes right away. In fact, for many of us, January is the most difficult time of year to make change, so do what you can right now to get the ball rolling.

Rather than setting yourself up for failure, set yourself up for success! What is one thing you can do today?

• Want to lose weight?  Go for a walk – it doesn’t have to be a 5-mile run.
• Want to change careers?  Put together a list of your dream job.
• Want to spend more time volunteering?  Look for an organization that matches your passion in life – support what you love and it’s a pleasure.

Baby steps are still steps, as long as you’re moving forward. The key to real, positive change is persisitent, consistent effort – small steps toward one larger goal.

Surround yourself with like minded people – those who also want to achieve a goal in 2008.  Or, work with a coach – somebody who will help you achieve those goals.  Write a plan – what are you going to do today?  Tomorrow? Where would you like to be in a week? A month?

You can do it – I know you can.  Believe in yourself, set yourself up for success. And focus on how great you’ll feel when you finally do achieve that goal. 

How are you achieving your goals?  Share your comments here.

As the year winds down…

What a year!  This is historically a crazy time of year for me.  I don’t typically have the luxury of really enjoying the holidays, as I am scrambling to keep up with work.  Marketing clients, coaching clients, 2008 planning is all underway, and the holidays seem to slip right by (hmm…..maybe that’s why I enjoy Thanksgiving so much, but I digress….).

 I just came across an article from a fellow coach encouraging the reader to reflect on the past year. The questions she poses are:

• What are three new experiences you had this year?
• What are three accomplishments you feel proud of this year?
• What are three challenges you overcame this year?
• What are three things you feel grateful for this year?

As I read the questions, something struck me.  As we are thinking about the New Year, we often don’t take time to honor the Old Year – the one we’re leaving, the one we lived and savored, aged through and played through. 

Take a few minutes to consider these questions.  Jot a few notes. Or, post your comments on my blog – danazurbuchen.wordpress.com.  When we take time to reflect, we all have several things to appreciate.  Even on our worst days.