By David Cosio, Ph.D.

The New Year has come and the opportunities to reach our goals for 2009 are gone. Many of us ask ourselves what the New Year may bring. Others make promises early on and soon forget. We are now almost one month after the big date. So, where are you thus far with your resolutions?  

I am sure that all of us want to pursue a year full of happiness, health, and fulfillment. One way is to determine early on where we may be in different areas of our lives to determine possible “growth directions.” The ancient Chinese Masters identified nine “Life Areas” in which we can assess our values.  Here are some questions you can ask yourself about each area to determine your resolution status:

1.Career, Life Mission and Individuality. Are you currently employed? Are you getting the education/training you need to advance at your job?  Are you working towards your mission in life? Are your hopes and dreams being fulfilled?

2.Marriage, Relationships and Partnerships. Are you pleased with the relationship you have with your partner? If you’re single and you want a long-term romantic relationship, are you working towards finding your life partner? Are you spending time with your friends and acquaintances? Are you feeling fulfilled by your current relationships?

3.Health, Family and Community. Have you had your yearly physical, dental appointment, OB/GYN checkup? Have you spent time with your family, parents, brothers/sisters, husband/wife, children, etc? Have you volunteered time to help your local community?

4.Wealth, Prosperity and Self. Worth-Are you putting money away in your savings account? Are you working on paying down your debt? Are you surrounded by those you love and things that matter to you? Have you taken steps to improve your self-esteem? Have you sought professional help if you feel depressed or anxious?

5.Good Fortune and Gratitude. Do you wish the best for your neighbor? Do you express your appreciation to those around you? Do you say “Thank you!” to store clerks or the person who holds the door for you? 

6.Spirituality, Helping People and Travel. Have you been attending religious services at your local church, mosque, synagogue? If you don’t believe in organized religion, how have you been expressing your spirituality? Do you show kindness to those around you? Have you planned your next vacation or trip? It doesn’t have to be lengthy or expensive.

7.Children, Creativity and Entertainment. Have you balanced work/school with some leisure time? Have you expressed your creativity through art, music, photography, etc.? Are you planning on having children or spending enough time with your children? If you do not plan to have children, how are you contributing to the success of the next generation?

8.Wisdom, Self Knowledge and Calm. Are you spending time with the elderly and learning from them? Are you taking time out and checking in with yourself? (Maybe reading this article accomplishes this one! ) Are you addressing any stress you may be experiencing lately? Sometimes it’s helpful to write them down.

9.Fame, Reputation and Social Life. Are you satisfied with your current reputation? Are you happy with your current level of social interaction? Are you meeting new people who may help reach some of your other goals?

 

After reviewing each Life Area we can then determine how far along we have come this year in obtaining our goals or what might be preventing us from making progress in those areas. Here are six steps you can take to reaching your 2010 resolutions before the next New Year:

1.Identify what you already have accomplished this year in this area

2.Identify a major goal for this area. Ask yourself if it is linked to your definition of success?

3.Identify the date by which you’d like to achieve that goal

4.List 3 things you can do towards achieving your goal

5.List a “growth direction” you can take this week

6.Take action!