Focusing on Your New Future

What makes some people so successful? Do they have a strong vision? Are they good strategic planners? Are they willing to throw themselves heart and soul into their goals?

The answer is "Yes!" across the board. To achieve your goals, be sure to consider all three areas: visioning, planning and commitment.

Envision Success

People who accomplish their goals are able to visualize what they want. Knowing the end game is essential to ensuring your success. A clear vision shifts your energy from drained and discouraged to empowered and resourceful.

To kick off the visioning process, ask yourself what you're looking for. Don't limit yourself to existing openings or opportunities. Engage your imagination and identify the outcome you desire in as much detail as possible.

A Total Solution

Build a case for the argument that you can achieve your ultimate dream. Think about the tasks required and then decide if you should break your goal into smaller steps and if you need support along the way.

Consider any changes you'll need to make. Being more effective in the present often requires doing things differently from the past. Sometimes we need to adjust our established patterns if we want something new in our lives.

For example, if you're considering getting a Masters degree while keeping a day job, start by attending an informational meeting at the university and interviewing grad students about a typical day-in-the-life. You'll learn the impact of your decision on your life, such as the need to curtail evening activities to create space for classes and homework.

Now is the time to decide if the tradeoffs are worth the final outcome. After the initial enthusiasm wears off, will you be willing to stick with the change?

Commitment is Key

So far, you've been visioning and planning, but not taking action. That's OK, because you need to know exactly what you want and what will be required before you can truly commit. Once you have this information in front of you, decide if you are willing to make the move.

Imagine that you've already achieved the goal and then notice how you feel. If you're excited or enthusiastic, you have the energy to commit. Committing wholeheartedly to your goal makes you more likely to accomplish it because you have stepped beyond wishful thinking and into motion.

There is no wrong way to commit. You can share your goal with a friend, set up meetings with an accountability partner, or write the goal in your journal. Find the approach that will best support you.

New Year, New You

If you feel stuck while visioning, planning, or committing, consider speaking with a coach or other professional appropriate to your goal. And if you decide you can't commit right now to a particular vision and plan, don't beat yourself up. You've made an informed decision based on a through evaluation of your goal and priorities.

So, go ahead and kick off the early days of 2008 with these questions:

• What do I want?
• What will it take to do it?
• Am I willing to commit?

Your answers will point you towards a satisfying year ahead.

About Merideth Mehlberg and Fresh Perspective Coaching

Merideth Mehlberg, founder of Fresh Perspective Coaching, helps her clients move toward new direction and meaning in their work, their small businesses, and their lives. She encourages her clients to dream big, and then provides the compassion, insight, structure and support they need to transform their vision into reality.

If your action plan isn't moving forward the way you'd like, or if you're struggling to see your situation in a new way,
contact Merideth at 510.864.0249 or mer@freshperspectivecoaching.com to schedule a complimentary consultation and sample coaching session.

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