8 Steps to Creating and Sticking to Your Goals in 2016

Every year we have the opportunity to start fresh and set new goals. This can also be done anytime of the year, but it seems that we like to do it at the beginning of each year. I have been using goals and affirmations since I was a child. Here is an 8 step plan to help you get started in 2016.

1. GET ORGANIZED - When you’re looking at a pile of bills that need paid or your work space is disorganized, this has a tendency to zap the motivation for what you really want to accomplish. Maybe your goal will be to do one or both of these things just to get started. 
2. KEEP THE LIST SIMPLE - Make a list of goals you’d like to accomplish. Start with 3-4 goals at a time, 1 goal is even okay. It’s up to you. The less you put on your plate, the more likely you are to accomplish your goals. 
3. KNOW WHY? HOW? WHAT? & WHO? - Make a list of why you want to accomplish each goal, how you are going to accomplish each goal, what is needed, and who you might want as your support system if you so desire. 
4. BE REALISTIC - Your goal is only as good as your best intention to follow through with it. 
5. CREATE AN ACTION PLAN - Make a calendar or list with daily or weekly goals that will get you to your desired result. E.g. Monday - I will separate each bill into a pile with the most important ones on top. Tuesday - I will decide how I can pay each bill. Maybe I need to take on a second job or put in some overtime. Wednesday - Start making calls to get another job or call each creditor and set up payment arrangements. 
6. FOLLOW THROUGH - This is why, keep it simple, be realistic, knowing why? how? what? and who?, and creating an action plan are so important. You are more likely to follow through. 
7. REWARD YOURSELF - Decide how you will determine each milestone and reward yourself for reaching it. This can either be when your goal is accomplished or when you feel you have earned a reward for your efforts. Make sure and note it in your calendar or list. This can be as simple as a night on the town, dinner at your favorite restaurant, a family movie night, ordering take out instead of cooking, or splurge and give yourself a spa day. It’s about being realistic about what is logical for you, but DO reward yourself. 
8. AFFIRM YOUR GOAL - Write it in affirmation form as if it has already happened with the date of accomplishment and read it daily. E.g. I am so excited to finally have “Blank Company” paid off - January 31, 2016. I am really enjoying eating healthier and I love weighing “Blank” - February 15, 2015. 

This is a great year for creating change and I hope to be of service in helping you do that. Leave your comments and questions below. Lets support each other in making 2016 the greatest year thus far… Namaste

A is for Affirmation #atozchallenge

"As the morning Ascends upon us, a sense of Anticipation Arises As the A to Z challenge enters the Atmosphere." ~MontanaView~

A is for Affirmation, or as I was taught, setting goals and affirming they will come true by writing it as if it has already happened. Something I know all to well considering as a youth/pre-teen it was already being pounded into my brain.

I have no resentment for the word, I love it. Affirmation is a beautiful word. It has been the inspiration for my entire life. If only I used it more, I would be on the right track now.

One of the most influential icons in our family describes it well, "If you want to reach a goal, you must 'see the reaching' in your mind before you actually arrive at your goal." Zig Ziglar

"Each day brings a chance to live life Anew" ~MontanaView~

Seeing beyond the things we "think" we really want

When you truly want something to manifest in your life and your doing all the right things "writing those affirmations, pinning it on your vision board, visualizing, meditating, etc.". Remember, if it isn't happening, it wasn't meant to be or maybe it wasn't meant to happen at this time. Remain positive and when you notice something else that truly made you happy, accept and be grateful for that. It may have been the answer all along.

Day 13 of 21 Day Meditation Challenge - Laughter

11:50 p.m. Trying to catch up, still Day 9 for me.

I have realized I am lacking joy in my life. I intend this day to have more joy and incorporate laughter as a must in my life :) Namaste

Live in the present - Laugh out loud - Love who you are = Joy

Day 12 of 21 Day Meditation Challenge - Daily Rituals for Wellbeing

Day 9 for me in the 21 Day Meditation Challenge.

The intent today was to think of 2 things you want to let go of in your daily routine and replace them with daily rituals for well being, health, joy, and peace of mind. I instantly knew what does not serve me as we all do. I struggled with relaxing today, my mind was very active. I believe it is because the very thing I want to rid my life of is also very imprinted on my soul. I will release these routines from my life.

One daily ritual is to think of 3 things you are thankful for before going to sleep at night. I will start here;

1. I am thankful I live in such a beautiful area.
2. I am thankful our family took a walk yesterday and the sun was shining brightly.
3. I am thankful for my wonderful children. They are so full of creativity, energy and joy. I am so blessed...

I intend to also accomplish Day 13 meditation today when my mind is more peaceful. Then I will at least be caught up, which the important part to me is that I continue even when I miss a day. I will succeed at 21 Days of Meditation. Namaste

Day 11 of 21 Day Meditation Challenge - Tapping into the Energy of Food

Day 7 for me.

Missed yesterdays meditation. Got up this morning determined to get back on track. Amazing Meditation! I recently completed a diet and in just 6 months 56 lbs. melted away as the direct result of eating healthy and envisioning a perfect body. See My hCG Diet Success Story blog. This meditation brought me back to that state of mind by helping me remember how much I enjoyed the delicious foods and vibrant colors. My body feels healthy and nourished again. Thank you for bringing me back...

To join me on this journey visit Chopra Centers 21 Day Meditation Challenge .

Day 6 of 21-Day Meditation Challenge - Creating Wellbeing though Mantras and Affirmations

Day 3 for me.

Trying to start my day out positive. Seem to be experiencing frustration. Will work harder to let things flow more evenly as my day continues. Tried relaxing to Day 1 Meditation after doing Day 6, but can't seem to calm my mind. Have to let go of distractions... Learning about mantra's, which is a mind tool or vehicle of the mind. Today’s mantra is "saht chit ananda (pronounced saht chit ah-NAN-dah)". Translation saht- truth, freedom from all limitations, chit- total knowledge and spontaneous knowing, ananda- bliss.

On the lighter side of things, Day 6 Meditaion "Creating Wellbeing though Mantras and Affirmations" was a very informative, refreshing meditation. My favorite so far. I enjoyed it tremendously. Will do it again soon without distractions.

Thank you Deepak and friends for this beautiful Meditation Challenge from the Chopra Center .

Start Living

Start doing the things you love' Live without fear' Live in peace.

Making your intentions come to you

Make your choice of visual to look at before going into meditation; a book, poster or something similar with your affirmations. Also called visions and/or intentions. Review each of them carefully. Meditate for 15 - 30 minutes, take a deep breath and now let it go and continue on with your day. Remember our spirits/souls need continued guidance, so keep doing this even after you have acquired all the things you have intended.

Positive Motivation... Optimism vs. Pessimism

I have found it essential to have a positive attitude about life. I want to experience life to it's fullest. Thus, I must be completely optimistic.

We all have a pessimistic side to us, even the biggest optimist has a pessimistic side.

We have to leave pessimism behind to truly be a positive person. Each day when I wake up, I make the choice and state the Affirmation "Today I will remain positive, I will find the good in anything that disrupts my life. I will forgive those that offend me or seem to make my life unpleasant, disruption can only happen if I allow it to happen". With this statement I am affirming that even when things seem bad they really aren't. It is only my perception of the situation that makes it seem that way. If I choose to allow it to bother me, I am allowing for pessimism. So I choose not to allow those negative thoughts to invade my mind.

Therefore I choose to stay optimistic even when life seems complicated. I believe a positive attitude and complete optimism is crucial to my over all well being.