Americanics

“To come to be you must have a vision of Being, a Dream, a Purpose, a Principle. You will become what your vision is.”
by Peter Nivio Zarlenga

It’s the New Year again and you are off to a strong start with your goals. But what usually happens after the first few weeks? You start to lose interest and slip back into old patterns. Why do you drop your good intentions? The answer is simple - lack of a strong compelling vision fueled by a burning desire.

So why is this important and how do you get it? Having a burning desire to achieve a compelling vision is important because reaching big goals requires a change in behavior. To change behavior for the long-term you need some reward or benefit so irresistible it feels as though a magnet is pulling you forward.

Think about some goal you have set for this year. You might be thinking about stopping something, (cutting out sugar, spending less time at work), or starting something (an exercise program, new project). There’s no emotion attached to this type of “doing” When you review the goals you’ve set for 2006 what feelings come up? Are you inspired or are you void of feeling?

To create a compelling vision think about the feeling you are trying to achieve first. Here’s an example: Let’s say your goal is “to play more golf this year”. Does this inspire you? Probably not. Where’s the emotion? Let’s try again; this time you say: “I want the freedom to play golf once a week without feeling guilty”. There is some emotion in this statement now but you can do even better. Ask yourself: “What’s the benefit of playing golf?; What do I want to have as a result of playing more golf?” Is it relaxation, time with friends, peacefulness, exercise, increased productivity, fresh air, balance? Keeping these things in mind, give it another try in the present tense: “I am feeling refreshed and inspired each week with renewed energy from enjoying golf with my friends. I am so productive as a result that my boss encourages me to take time off each week for golf!”

Can you see the difference? Close your eyes and imagine yourself on the golf course, feeling refreshed, renewed and laughing with friends. See yourself returning to work feeling inspired with new creative energy. Picture your personal and professional life dramatically improved from this change in your behavior.

Maybe your goal is to “save more money in 2006″. What will you feel as a result of increasing your savings? Will you feel free, secure, mature, responsible, prosperous? What are the benefits of having money saved? Picture how you will feel as you put money into savings each month; see that compelling vision of your bank account growing and the benefits you enjoy as a result. Are you starting to get the idea?

What’s the compelling vision you want to create in 2006? Focus on the feelings you want to experience as a result. Write down these feelings along with your vision. Then make a list of at least 10 to 15 benefits you will have as a result of achieving this vision. The more benefits you list, the more excitement you will generate and the greater your desire will be. Begin now with these foundational steps for goal achievement and start “living your vision”!

Copyright January 2006
Permission is granted to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the author signature box is included.

As a Life Transition Coach I work with clients to identify what’s most important to them and to prioritize around these values. I help my clients identify and remove obstacles in the way and bring clarity and focus to their dreams. What is your dream? Are you undergoing a major transition and not clear where to turn? Call (972-306-4489) or email me, (coach.v.miller@verizon.net), to set up a complimentary, no obligation 30 minute telephone coaching session. Download my FREE e-Book, 12 Fun Ways to Change Your Life, or sign up for my FREE monthly newsletter at http://www.thrivingthroughchange.com or http://www.directsellingleadershipcenter.com.