New Beginnings
I hope you enjoyed your holidays and had time to spend with friends and family. The end of the year can be a great time to relax and recharge in preparation for the year ahead. Are you excited and ready to make 2012 an amazing year?
Now that the new year has begun, many of us are focused on developing plans to reach our current goals. In my last article I discussed the process of creating a vision of where you would like your life to be. It is difficult to progress in the right direction without a clear destination in your mind.
Once you have established your goal, the next step is to evaluate where you are right now. Having a clear and accurate understanding of your current condition is important before you design a plan to get you where you want to be. Just as you can not plot a course on a map without a destination and an origin, we can not devise an effective life plan without a clear goal and starting point.
Even though we live in the wealthiest country in the world, most Americans still live paycheck to paycheck. Without significant savings any unexpected expense can cause stress and financial hardship. If you have a financial goal, first you must evaluate your current financial situation. Is your starting point in the black or in the red? Do you have money saved or have you accumulated debt? Until you have a thorough understanding of your present financial condition you can not create a plan to improve it.
Losing weight and getting healthy is one of the most common new years resolutions. When starting a new weight loss system the first step is to evaluate your current overall health. Most systems recommend approval from your doctor, then a thorough self examination. This usually includes your weight, measurements, and level of fitness. Some offer a fitness test to help you establish your heart rate, strength, and flexibility. Many suggest taking a photo of yourself. All of this is to establish a starting point to help you reach your personal fitness goals.
No matter what goals you set it is important to evaluate your starting position before you create a plan of action. Be honest with yourself. Don’t hide from reality or seek blame for it. This will only slow your progress. Acknowledge and accept your situation. Where you are can be temporary if you resolve to change it.