making plans

today begins a "clean slate".
the year anew.
and with it an expanse of all the good that can come if we utilize what has been given -
another chance to make it all happen.
the possibilities are swarming and my mind is whirring with resolutions.
but I had a thought, I don't just want resolutions I want change.
and to affect change I need a plan.
for most of my life I have listened to talk about setting goals.
I think I can honestly say I have never made a plan to achieve something.

this summer a friend taught our YW group about goals.
she laid out the plan. three steps to setting and accomplishing a goal.
1. write down your end goal - the result you plan to achieve. be sure it has a time limit.
(I will run a 1/2 marathon by the end of the summer.)
2. write down your plan of action - how will you accomplish this goal. and make yourself accountable to someone.
(I will run 4 times a week with a running partner.)
3. write your goal in the present tense. such as - I will run effortlessly and energetically!
(this was my favorite, and we would joke about it as we ran this past summer.)
write them all down and put it in a spot you will read it DAILY.

she also included suggestions of life sections your goals could affect.
spiritual, educational, physical, social, and emotional.

although I didn't utilize it at the time - I am anxious to do so now.
and its an open invitation for anyone to do the same.
plan with me to make 2009 a year of good intentions followed through.

Merry New Year to all, it looks to be pretty good from here!