It's time to set your sights for 2018

With each new year, a lot of us resolve to live better. You know the drill - lose weight, eliminate bad habits, commit to new habits, and so on. This year, rather than create a list of resolutions that will dissolve by the end of January, why not commit to thinking differently about your life project this year?
Yes, that's what I wrote, your life project. Maybe it's time to rethink how we approach our lives, possibly seeing them as ongoing projects that continually grow and evolve. You are the project leader of your life, so your vision of what it will look like is essential. And, instead of anticipating potential "failures" in not meeting short-term expectations (usually unrealistic), begin viewing life as a project, which allows you to open your perceptual lens to see your life's endeavor as home construction that needs periodic renovation and renewal. Challenges become constructive "change orders" requiring creativity and innovation rather than obstacles to endure - a redesign here, an addition there, rebuilds occasionally. The key is how you manage your expectations of your life project.
How would your life project begin? Depending on your pref it may start by writing about or taking pictures of the people, places, and possibilities you would like to attract into your life. You could create a storyboard that includes all the things you love most and the objectives you are passionate about in your life. Many years ago, a well-known coach, Thomas Leonard (see http://www.coachville.com/connect/founder-thomas-leonard/), developed the idea of two types of lists - Absolute Yes and Absolute No. Go through this process yourself as you review several dimensions of your life - basic needs, relationships, career, wellness, community, spirit, and legacy. What will you say, "Absolutely 'yes'" to this year? These would be people and activities that imbue you with enthusiasm and drive. What will you say, "Absolutely 'no'" to this year? These would be the people and activities that are time wasters, energy drains and toxic interactions.  Include the Absolute Yeses on your storyboard. Keep your list of Absolute Nos in your daily journal to keep you focused during those moments ahead when you will inevitably be faced with demands upon your time. Once you have completed your storyboard, post it somewhere you will see it daily as a centering tool. Use it as a prompt for writing in your journal this year and for the next steps in your life project. Stay tuned for more details about what's next in your project plan!