staying present whilst looking forward.

Riding a Boris Bike was a 2012 goal set last year

With the festive season fast approaching many of us are looking forward and anticipating the start of a new year.  At this time I like to think about how I can start building on my present. We hear time and time again how important it is to ‘stay present’, to value the moment we are in rather than dwell on the past or anticipate the future.  
 
How can we look forward in a positive way to 2013 whilst remaining engaged in the here and now?  Gaining clarity on the here and now can help us look forward in a positive and action orientated way. 

As a coach I am a big believer in the power of goals, and I completely understand if you are not.  But…try them.  You might like them.  You might not, and if that is the case I PROMISE not to nag you about them. 
 
Here are my tips for how I start to shed my leaves each autumn so I can start to re-grow in the New Year.  
 
Clarify what you are doing in the present.  Some people like to blog, keep a journal, practise mindfulness, or meditate.  If you are not familiar or comfortable with any of these maybe you could write a simply lists. 
 
I love a list, and they are key to my autumnal activity of valuing my present and honouring my potential. This is what I do.  If you would like to have a go, just grab some paper and a pen.  List all of the things you do.  This can include everything from your job, your family, your home, your hobbies, and anything else you spend your time doing. The idea is for this to reflect your present.  
 
Clarify what you want to happen in the future. Let’s look forward at what you want to spend your time working towards in the 2013.  This time list of all of the things you enjoy, and all of the things you would like to do more of, regardless of if you actually do them at the moment or not!  When you two lists are complete you have your present and your fantasy blue print for 2013. 
 
When I have finished my lists I can start to make some GOALS!  I would like to set you a challenge.  Spend some time over the next week writing your lists. If you would like a free crash course into how to can transform your fantasy blue print into some realistic future focused dream busting goals come back next week.  
 
Please also sign up to my newsletter by dropping me a line on my ‘contact me’ page, or email me at cghunt@live.com.  In Decembers newsletter I will give you additional information and tips on goal setting and coaching techniques you can do yourself – ones THAT REALLY WORK!

---