January 2010
I would suggest that you take January to get prepared and put all your ducks in a row. Of course this may not take a month to do and that is good. Just take the time it takes for you to plan – however, remember that impatience will rise and be careful to let this take over before you have finished. You will know when you are ready to begin or not.
DO NOT MAKE THIS SO DIFFICULT THAT YOU SET YOURSELF UP FOR FAILURE.
Take small manageable steps forward each day that can be successful. Of course, all your steps may not be successful in your mind’s eye because you may be expecting more than is possible.
Some habits to engage in:
• Be prepared
• Be focused
• Be gentle on yourself
• Be determined
• Be consistent
• Expect the unexpected
• Create what is within your CONTROL. What is not within your control you cannot control the results. Set yourself up to be able to control your own solutions.
A. Big Picture
WRITE ALL OF THIS IN YOUR JOURNAL
1. Define the reason/purpose for the change
It is crucial to know what is the reason(s)/purpose that you want to go on this challenge and what it is you want to change and move towards in life. What is the outcome you want to have at the end? Listen to your senses when you are defining the reason. – i.e. What do you feel, hear, see, taste?
2. Write a purpose statement
Once you have written this purpose and keep this in front of you. This is what you are aligning to. This purpose statement often sounds very lofty. It is connected to your inner most values and what is important in your life. When you write your purpose statement, write it in the present and write one part about what is in it for you and one part also the impact to others.
3. Define what you want to work towards
It is important to know the destination you are heading on this journey. It could be to lose weight; get to the gym; learn about financial matters and investing; go back to school; or many other things. BE CLEAR AND PRECISE – DO NOT BE VAGUE AT ANYTIME.
4. Set intentions
Intentions assist you to move to the destination and are aligned with your purpose. When you set intentions they all begin with ‘to’ + verb. E.g. to lose 30 lbs or to learn about investing in the stock market etc.
Personally, I would say that you ought to set ‘overall intentions’ for the 365 days; then I would set ‘monthly intentions’ and ‘daily intentions’ to go along with your ‘take a step each day’
5. Create your plan
• Define and set your final outcome
• Design the overall plan
• Line up goals along the way. – set targets, dates, be specific
• Set strategy on how to reach these goal. Take one Step forward each day towards your outcome - plan this the night before - very important
• Be prepared to change some of your strategies if they are not working out – however, give them a chance first. – the good old college try.
• Be open along the journey.
• Leave your expectations at the door, as you will often be disappointed if you set firm expectations and lock them into being
• Go for the possibilities instead of expectations, as they are more present based
• Check in at www.kevincottam.com
• Share your successes
• Reward yoursel
• Most of all have fun
6. Check in each week
Check in each week at www.kevincottam.com and engage with your fellow ‘questers’. Share with them thoughts, successes and ideas. Ask questions? Stay inspired. We are all in this together and that includes me.
