The First Steps into the New Year

2011 is here and the first two weeks have now passed. Have you broken your New Years’ resolutions yet?

This year, I set some goals, rather than making resolutions that I would forget about within the first month of the year, as so often happens with those resolutions to lose weight and make cold calls.

I set a goal to be healthier this year, and already I have lost some weight. In fact, since I started drinking Eleotin tea in November, I have lost fifteen pounds! Five of those pounds has been since the first of the year. I am also working with a holistic nutritionist, Debbie Cyrel of Return to Health, and expect to see great results from that work, including the accomplishment of another goal to be completely off prescription drugs for diabetic maintenance.

I also set a goal to be a member of the Global Information Network in 2011, more specifically in January. And, through a series of amazing synchronicities, I became a member on January 10th. The Global Information Network, for the first time ever, offered a payment plan in the month of January, so I was all set to sign up on January 11th – just loved the idea of saying I became a member on 1/11/11. However, as luck would have it, I happened to be able to take advantage of a one-day special to waive initiation fees.

One of the aspects that I love about the GIN is that there are always surprises like these. In fact, I had heard about the Caribbean cruise at the end of November and had decided I wanted to go. Wouldn’t you know it? I also managed to be invited to attend the cruise for free! And now that I have become a member in this month, I am already registered for next year’s cruise for free! Needless to say, every day I am more in love with the Global Information Network.

It’s not just those fabulous deals either. Mostly it’s the people! Last Thursday, one of the trainers came to Phoenix to lead an opportunity meeting. It was well-attended, and all of the people who came were like-minded, and very interesting! Some amazing connections were made in just that one evening.

Back to my goals. Another goal I have is to obtain my Competent Leadership award in Toastmasters, since I just got Competent Communicator in December. I would also like to have some regular speaking gigs in 2011, which is looking more and more possible every day.

Another goal is to sell at least 100 copies of my book, New Story, New Life, in 2011. I am well on my way, having sold 8 copies already, and having the title in two local bookstores, as well as online at Lulu.com and Amazon.com. I am thinking that I could accomplish that last goal for speaking gigs AND selling 100 copies of my book in one shot, if I do this right. 😉

As you can see, I am well on my way to accomplishing these goals, and excited every day to get going on them.

So, what is the difference between this and setting resolutions? In my mind, resolutions become “have tos” and some rebellious part of me stubbornly refuses to do what I am told, even when I am the one telling myself. Ever experience that?

On the other hand, my goals instill me with joy and a sense of fulfillment. It’s no wonder I love pursuing them.

How about you? What are your joyful goals for 2011? Have you taken even one step towards achieving them yet? Just one step will start you on the journey of the rest of your life. Go ahead. Take that step. You’ll love yourself for it!