Wring Out 2003 - Ring In 2004

Wring Out 2003 - Ring In 2004:

Are you ready to take full advantage of the opportunities of 2004?
The following exercises will help you Wring Out the important
lessons from 2003, and Ring In the possibilities for success in 2004.

Wringing Out
It's time to release or transform any negative energy you carry from
2003. Set aside a quiet time to do this 4 step process:

1- Take inventory of what you want to let go of. Using pen and paper,
create a list for each of the following as it relates to 2003:
* Commitments to self and/or others that were not met
* Regrets, losses, hurts, or disappointments
* Who, or what, you want/need to forgive

2- Create a goodbye ceremony to consciously let go of what no longer
serves you and/or to focus on the positive in each event. No matter
what the status of each of these areas, you can release the past to
make room for the present and the future. An excellent goodbye
ceremony is to journal about each area and then burn the pages.
Scatter the ashes on the soil of a young plant you select to
symbolize the transformation of these lessons into new growth.

3- Acknowledge and assimilate the positives, your personal and
professional growth in 2003. Again, set aside a quiet time for
reflection on the past year. Create a list for each of the following
as it relates to your growth in 2003:
* Your greatest accomplishments
* The most important lessons you learned
* Difficult challenges you overcame
* Significant contributions you made
* Events, places, things, people you are grateful for
* Areas of learning you will carry forward into 2004

4- Celebrate! Honor the year - all the hard work, the
accomplishments, your personal and professional growth, the
excitement and the lessons learned - with a celebration. For
example, take a day to pamper yourself, or buy yourself a small gift
that symbolizes your growth. A great way to celebrate is to invite a
few close friends to do this exercise with you, and then celebrate
together by sharing your reflections.

Ringing In
Imagine the New Year with unending energy and positive focus. Take
these 3 steps to start your year in focus.

1- Set aside a significant amount of time to think about what you
want to create in 2004. Picture it and create a clear vision. Write,
draw, collage, and speak about it until it feels real. Evaluate and
revise your vision until you feel great about it. Is your vision
realistic? Is it big enough?

2- Once you have a clear vision, write out one or more goals for
each of the following areas, making sure that each goal is in line
with your values and your vision:
* Career
* Relationships
* Finances
* Health
* Lifestyle
* Service to others
* Spiritual Practice

3- Get started. Think of how you will make these goals a reality. Be
creative. How will you make getting there enjoyable? What are your
wildest ideas? Who or what will you need to help you reach your
goals?

4- Be prepared to handle adversity or challenges. How will you stay
motivated and committed to your goals? What practices, wisdom, or
supports can you put in place now that will serve your success every
day of the year? Once you complete these exercises, congratulate
yourself for consciously choosing to live life on your own terms.

Happy New Year!

Reference:
Brook Montagna
Mindful Life Coaching
Coaching Individuals, Couples, and Groups for Excellence in Life and
Business
www.mindfullifecoach.com