This year is coming to an end. Each year has its surprises and disappointments. I don’t think any of us were prepared for the financial downturn that occurred this year.

In many ways our country was adrift, going downhill with ineffective leadership.

And then we had the election with renewed optimism. All of the events of the last eight years, paved the way for new leadership; in many ways a historic time. Without any of them we wouldn’t be where we are today.

So hear we are going forward. Perhaps you didn’t meet many of the goals that you set for yourself.

As you go forward, don’t shy away of setting new goals for the new year. But think of your goals in a different context. Rather than tangible goals such as a better job or making more money or losing that 10-20 pounds that you commit to every year,think of the personal qualities that you want to cultivate and develop. It might be that you want to become a more optimistic person, or a more fun person.

With the same determination, focus on those qualities that you intend to cultivate this year in the following way. Since I have already mentioned becoming more positive, express gratitude for the the optimism in your life; for the faith that you have. Whatever the quality that you wish to cultivate, express gratitude for having it now.

It is my intention to not worry about the future. I would use gratitude in the following way. I am grateful that it is all working out as it should. Everything is in perfect order. Develop your gratitude practice to help you experience your life in the way that you want to live your life.

You get to choose how you want live to live your life. If you want to be happy, choose happiness.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational way. 415.453.5016

This entry was posted on Monday, December 29th, 2008 at 11:30 am and is filed under abundance, change, choosing happiness, executive coaching, inspiration, life coach, life coaching, life purpose, personal coaching and mentoring, personal growth and development, relationships. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.