January 6, 2009

A New Year With The Same Dreams?   They steal your passion and keep you stagnant.  They rob you of the joy and excitement that each New Year and each new day brings.  They keep you small.   What are they?  Your carry over dreams!   They range from losing those last ten pounds, to having that exceptional team at work, to taking that dream vacation, to eradicating your credit card debt, to taking time for you, to increasing your nest egg, to finding a more challenging and fulfilling job, to finding that special someone to share your life with, and much more.   They are the dreams you've tucked away because you believe they just aren't going to happen for you, or you've been struggling with them for so long that you just give up.  Or, maybe someone told you those dreams were silly, and/or yes, maybe you've even made excuses, or used blame, as to why they have not come true.   Everyone has those dreams.  You are not alone.   You have declared over and over again that those dreams have your name on them.  Year after year, you carry a torch for them.  You can not forget.  Yet, they remain unfulfilled.    I challenge you to make 2009 the year those carry over dreams come true.    How?   Start by changing your thinking.    Think BIG, not small. Think ABUNDANCE, not scarcity. Think POSITIVE, not negative. Think DESERVING OF, not unworthiness. Think POSSIBILITIES, not limitations. Think GROWTH, not mistakes. Think GOOD ENOUGH, not inferior. Think WIN, not lose. Think CAN DO, not can't do. Think VICTORY, not defeat. Think OPPORTUNTIES, not closed doors.   EXPECT GOOD THINGS.   Then, allow those thoughts to seep into your subconscious.  It is "your subconscious mind that contains the great powers that can enable you to accomplish vastly more than you ever have before.  At least 90 percent or more of your mental powers are 'below the surface'", said Brian Tracy.   Furthermore, "It is a psychological law that whatever we wish to accomplish we must impress on the subjective or subconscious mind," said Orison Swett Marden.   So, feed your subconscious well.  Feed it with all those positive thoughts [above], clear goals, and deadlines to reach those goals.  In addition, act as if you are already living those goals. You're familiar with the adage: fake it till you make it.   Then act.  Each day, take one step in the direction you want to go.  Ask yourself, "What is the one thing I can do today that will lead me to my desired results?"  Then do it.  Stuck?  Ask yourself another question:  "What is standing in the way of my taking action?" Take personal responsibility for your inaction.  Get rid of the excuses, the blame, the laziness, or whatever the reason is. Then get back in the swing of action.   Did you take a misstep?  Think growth.  Learn from it and move on.  Don't let it derail you.   Your actions, and thus your life will follow your thinking and your expectations. When you come from a place of negativity your subconscious mind will make certain that you sabotage any chance you have of realizing your dreams.  On the other hand, when you come from a place of expecting the best, your life will move in that direction.    Therefore, it is critical to think and expect good things for yourself as you say hello to 2009.  You will then act to fulfill those carry over dreams once and for all.   P.S.  As each New Year arrives, you will no doubt add new dreams into the mix.  Use the same steps above to fulfill those also.      The Way to a Happy New Year   To leave the old with a burst of song; To recall the right and forgive the wrong; To forget the things that bind you fast\ To the vain regrets of the year that's past; To have the strength to let go your hold Of the not worthwhile of the days grown old; To dare go forth with a purpose true, To the unknown task of the year that's new; To help your brother along the road, To do his work and lift his load; To add your gift to the world's good cheer, Is to have and to give a Happy New Year.   Unknown   Out with the old and in with the new...year, that is.  Will 2009 Be The Year? is my latestMentor's Mind column.        I've missed everyone.  It is hard to believe it's been three weeks since I last wrote the Balance Beam.  What did I do on my break, besides chill?  I spent time with my family, went to a few parties, had a few people over to my house, saw The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (I enjoyed it), cleaned out my office and organized files, baked goodies (my cranberry chocolate chip biscotti were the best!), helped out at John's office, read a lot, and stayed away from the malls for the most part.  Valerie was home for just a few days over Christmas (she is a working gal now) and John G was in and out.  Oh yes, did I mention eat, and eat...   I also spent time reflecting on my dreams and goals and realized that I do have a few that get carried over from year to year.  So I came up with a theme for myself for the year:  Earn, Save, Spend, all with MADness (that's Making A Difference).  I want to earn more, save more, and then spend some (in that order) to finish decorating my house and to go toHawaiiin the fall (the four of us).  I'll accomplish this by making a difference in the lives of others which in turn makes a difference in my life.   Have a fantastic week and may you realize your carry over dreams in 2009.   Stephanie   P.S.  My speaking engagements for 2009 are filling up fast.  If you are interested in having me speak to your group or holding an "I Appreciate" seminar, contact me today.  It's all about Making a Difference.     P.P.S.  Welcome to the new readers who joined our community over the holidays!     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com