In order to create meaningful goals we need to work from the inside out. I believe only goals that are rooted and aligned with our values are truly meaningful. If you have never thought much about your values, there is no time like the present. Consider the following questions:

What's important to you? What makes you tick? What brings you joy?

A word of advice? Don't make it hard. It is not difficult. We all know what is important to us. Choose 3-5 values and move on. You can always refine later.

The next step is to look at different areas of your life (feel free to pick and choose and/or add): health & wellness, finance, relationships, home or living environment, spiritual growth, volunteer work, fun and recreation. Take a moment to reflect on each category and write down some goals for 2008. For example in the "physical environment" category, I might get the house painted, lay tiles in the kitchen and remodel the bathroom. In the "family" category, I might want to improve communication with my spouse, go on a family vacation and deepen my relationship with my mother.

The next step is easy. Take a look at the goals you jotted down and make sure they are in line with your values. If they are, decide which ones are most important and which ones will need a deadline to make sure they get accomplished. Be sure the goals do not conflict with one another. For example, traveling to Europe for six months out of the year conflicts with participating in a year long weekly prayer group at home.

Once you have all your goals mapped out, it is time to break them down into tiny, little action steps. Take each goal one at a time, and decide what has to get done first and by when. For another example, let's go back to my kitchen, all right? I want new tile on the floor. First, I need to decide if I want to do the work myself or have someone else do it. I decide I will get some help, but buy the materials myself. Next is measuring the room and picking out tile. Then I will need to find someone who can lay tile, etc. None of this is really difficult, but most of us soon find reasons to stop shortly after we've begun, leaving us doing what most of us do oh so very well: nothing.

What's left? After breaking down your goals into tiny little steps, all that's left is fulfillment. If the steps are reasonable and you pace yourself well, you will have no trouble accomplishing every goal on your list. Go ahead and begin, and let nothing stop you from having a fabulous 2008.

"If you are supporting yourself and trusting that Spirit will bring forward exactly that which is for your highest good, then all decisions can be the right decisions."

- John-Roger

This month's challenge is going to be a big one because I am going to ask you to complete either a personal or professional plan for 2008. When you commit to this, you make a serious investment in your life and I guarantee you will have no regrets about the time and energy you spend.

Think about it for a moment, who but you could be authorized to move your life forward? Go ahead and do it.

Should you require assistance, please email us at Barbara@ClearIntentions.net. We will send you a template that will make this assignment a lot easier.

Have fun with it.

The ideals which have lighted my way and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth. The trite subjects of human efforts, possessions, outward success, and luxury have always seemed to me contemptible.

Albert Einstein