Tools and tips from some past newsletters

Spring clean your goals
Get back into the groove
The power of celebration!

There is no magic without motion!

Hello. Happy New Year, and welcome again to your regular shot of motivation to keep you on track and in motion. And a special welcome to new subscribers from the USA and India .

In this issue:

• Still mentally in holiday mode? – How to get back in the groove.
• Are your goals the right ones for you?

How to get back in the groove towards your goals.
So many people I have spoken to in the last few days admit that although they are officially back at work, mentally they are still on holiday. They are finding it hard to recapture that momentum that took them up to Christmas. I know for me switching off is hard to do, but switching on again after a holiday break can be even harder.

Here are four strategies I've found really ease me back on track and focused again when, I admit, part of me is still hankering for the beach and a good novel. I use these strategies when the last thing I want to think about is my goals, who I need to be and what I need to do to achieve them.

1. Double-check you've done enough celebration. In another newsletter, I stressed the importance of celebrating all you achieved and learned during last year – especially what you achieved and learned from those goals that may have gone pear-shaped. Did you do that? If you still need to anchor your wins, email me wendy@wendybuckingham.com.au and I'll give you that extra pat on the back.
2. Clear the space ready for easier action. Do some of those tasks you have had on your list but never make a priority. Handle little things that annoy, like fixing or throwing out things that don't work. For me it was cleaning up my Email and Word files and doing a lot of deleting of stuff I didn't need any more.
3. Call a few friends/colleagues/clients. Wish them Happy New Year and, at the same time invite them to have a chat about plans for this year. I find just talking about what I'm going to do this year reminds me of my passions and purpose and fires me up for action.
4. Choose in every moment to be enjoying doing what you are doing. Resistance takes up so much energy. Choice puts the magic grace and ease into the motion.

Which brings us to:
Setting goals that are strong, powerful and JUST RIGHT FOR YOU.

You may have heard of the importance of having SMARTI Goals (SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, REALISTIC, TIME SMART – and of course, INSPIRATIONAL) All goals, big and small, need to be examined to make sure they meet those criteria. However, there are another two vital two vital questions that must be asked of your goal.

1. Is this goal mine? Not such a silly questions. It's very easy to fall into the trap of setting goals to accommodate someone else, be they partner, parent or employer. So make sure the goals you set are something you really want for you.
   
   The way to do this is to make a list of all the reasons you want the goal. There needs to be at least one statement that really turns you on – a reason that will keep you going when the going gets tough. If you can't find an inspiring reason to go after the goal, be willing to think again about whether this goal is right for you.
   
   
2. What may I have to give up to focus on this goal? This is where it is important to have identified your core needs and values. Will you have to give up family and leisure time, financial security (such as a regular wage), a favourite hobby, TV, etc. etc? Identifying and considering what you need to give up to achieve a goal and making a conscious decision to do so is vital.
   
   

Meanwhile, embrace the day and - Go For It!

Here's to your joyful achievement

Wendy