<b>By Martha O’Regan</b>

“Let’s totally astound ourselves this year” is a quote from a past calendar marking the month of January that continues to be my official mantra for each brand new year, so full of possibilities. Have you set those resolutions yet? What will make this year astounding for you?

Consider changing the word <i>resolution</i> which is “the process of resolving something such as a problem or dispute” to <i>intention</i>, which means the “quality or state of having a purpose in mind.” Resolutions sound so admirable when we make them, but the mere fact that we have failed so miserably in the past can conjure up those same memories of failure and tend to doom us right out of the gate. They have become the brunt of so many jokes and often fall in the “why bother, it’ll never happen?” club. Intentions have a whole different connotation allowing for a fresh start, and a new perspective. Resolutions fix a problem whereas intentions follow a purpose.  Is your life a problem or is it about fulfilling a purpose?

So, what is your purpose and who benefits from it? Tune into your initial reaction to this question: Is it “I’m not sure of my purpose” or “I don’t have time to fulfill my purpose right now” or “I feel so lousy, I can’t possibly think about my purpose much less try to achieve it”? Or, are your already on your purpose filled journey?

Consider making the commitment for this year to be different in all areas of your life, not just one or two. Life is a multidimensional journey and continuously overlaps with health, relationships, career, spirituality, etc. So instead of resolving to fix one problem in one area, intend to be balanced or find harmony in all areas.  Write down a vision of where you would like to be in all areas of your life by the end of 2014.  Get creative, dream big, and have some fun. Mark your calendar at various intervals, such as monthly or quarterly, to review and update this master list.

Next, start a list of only the first steps to achieving each one of your goals.  Make them small and reasonable steps with an intention of devoting an hour a day to them as a whole, not an hour for each or always at one time, but in varying increments. Put this list where you will look at it daily, checking off steps as they are achieved, then adding the next small and reasonable step.

If you don’t believe you can find one hour a day now to devote to your health and well being, how will you find 24 to be sick or dead? Consider finding this hour for those you know, love and serve because they need you and your purpose.

Despite making a commitment, we all have a tendency to lack follow through and before we know it, we are at the end of year forgetting we ever made a list.  If you fall into this category, consider finding a wellness or life coach, or a good friend, to help you set goals and keep you accountable to them.  Find someone who will not judge your slip ups but will gently guide you toward your purpose.  Once you gain your momentum, then let go and fly on your own.

No matter what direction you take to making this your best year ever, intend to “totally astound yourself” on a regular basis. Live Well ... Have Fun.
<div></div>