Joyce Campbell dreamt for 10 years about writing a book, but never quite got round to it. In January 2010 she decided this was the year she was going to fulfil her dream. She sent a huge goal of finding a publisher and writing a book before 1 July. With 100% commitment, she wrote 50,000 words in 19 days, and on 30 June sent the final proof off to her publisher. Once she took action, everything fell into place.
Below she tells you how you can make 2011 a success for you!
1.Dream big
So often we play small, and set our sets too low. Don’t be half hearted – decide what you really want. You don’t need to know (yet) how to get it, you just need to know you want it. Say it in the positive. Avoid saying things like ‘I want out of this dead end job’, and describe exactly what you want instead. What will you see, hear and feel when you’ve got your dream?
2.Make a commitment
So often we are half-hearted about our plans. We say things like ‘I’ll try’. Forget trying! Make this the year you are really going to do it – no ifs, buts, or maybes about it. So what if you tried to change last year and didn’t follow through. You learned what didn’t work, that’s all. This year, do it differently. Expect success and take action towards it. You CAN do it. If you aren’t 100% committed to your dream, ask yourself if it’s the right dream. Don’t do it because someone else says you should – do it for you.
3.Build a great team of people around you
We all need cheer leaders and role models around us. You don’t need people telling you it can’t be done. Find people who have achieved what you want to do, and find out how they did it. What actions did they take, what did they think about, what did they tell themselves?
4.Appreciate – both yourself and others
How often do you tell people ‘it was nothing?’ How often do you not tell your child how proud you are of them because you don’t want to make them big-headed? Start telling people how much you appreciate them, and experience the good feelings that will come back to you. And learn to say ‘thank you’ and feel proud when someone pays you a compliment. Friends, neighbours, family, work colleagues, even your boss – don’t be shy – pay them a compliment.
5.Look after your mental and physical health
Get regular exercise – there’s nothing like it for beating stress. You don’t need to be a gym bunny, but get out there and take a walk every day. Kick a ball about with the kids. Do something every day that makes you breathless for 30 minutes.
6.Sort out your career
OK, you may choose to stay in your current job for a while longer, but make a plan. Where do you want to be next year at this time? What makes you happy about work? What do you want more of? How are you going to create that? What are your strengths? Where do you need to develop yourself? Look for as many options as possible. Take the first step.
7. Plan in some treats
Build in something every month to look forward to. Your entire happiness should not lie in two weeks holiday in August.
8. Give something back
People who have a sense of community tend to have better mental health than people who are isolated. There are literally thousands of volunteering opportunities. Find something that you enjoy – it doesn’t need to be boring to be worthwhile.
9. Take action
Goals without actions are dreams. Do something every single day that will move you nearer your big goals.
10. Be flexible
Opportunities come along in the oddest ways sometimes – if what you are doing doesn’t work, then simply try something else. Be brave!
Joyce Campbell dreamt for 10 years about writing a book, but never quite got round to it. In January 2010 she decided this was the year she was going to fulfil her dream. She sent a huge goal of finding a publisher and writing a book before 1 July. With 100% commitment, she wrote 50,000 words in 19 days, and on 30 June sent the final proof off to her publisher. Once she took action, everything fell into place.
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