This is the time for New Year resolutions. It is the time when gyms, weight loss programmes and self improvement gurus really promote themselves. It is the perfect time for us all to look at good intentions. Mostly we look at what we 'should' do, 'would like' to achieve and 'dream' of becoming.

Should, would and dreams are not real and they rarely become real. Great, join a gym - you KNOW you will stop going by spring time. Sign up to lose weight - you KNOW it won't make any long term difference. Make a great new masterplan for your business - do it on one sheet of paper - it saves natural resources and helps you AVOID THE COMMITMENT that will deliver REAL PROGRESS.

Of course it's true, we all do it!

Dare you be different?

What do you want to achieve, where do you want to be, how do you want to live or who do you want to be? It can be you as a person, your family, your lifestyle, your career or your business.

Choose one that really resonates for you. Sit quietly and imagine - focus on what sense works for you - it may be pictures, sounds, tastes, numbers and people. Think about December 31st 2007 and if you commit, focus and plan for action, how does it look?

Think really hard - let your ideas flow, unlock your imagination.

What is different? What has changed? Who has changed? How have the things around you changed?

How much better does it feel when you place yourself in that moment? You are in the December 31st 2007 you are preparing to commit to.

If there were no obstacles, if there were no money worries. If that 'gremlin' in your head that says I'll never be slim, It won't work for me, I can't possibly do that, I'm not successful, other people are good at.. - go on add some of your own to the list.

If you are prepared to engage with your negatives list and embrace the challenges of an enhanced life you will get - I am becoming slimmer, I can make that presentation, we are moving to France on....., I have started (or even finished) my new website.

You begin to provide the positive evidence that will power your own success.

We all have our doubts, our limits and fears of breaking out. A lot of us are actually so scared of success we will sabotage ourselves so we don't have to embrace it. And we aren't even consciously aware we are doing it! How honest are you prepared to be? How hard are you prepared to look into your own ways of acting?

What are the ways in which you sabotage yourself? How do you postpone, procrastinate, offload, blame or compromise? How badly unaware are you of why the things you desire don't ever turn up?

Awareness is key! Once you have it you can choose to take responsibility for your own enhanced future. Set your goal and work backwards. Put the steps in place that will enable you to reach your goal. Fix them in your diary, your planner or your PDA.

You can increase your chances of success by getting a buddy - someone who is a witness to your goal and your plan. By informing them you are putting your plan out to the universe - this really does help.

There are options that can greatly enhance your chances of success in 2007.

Robin Pratt
www.whiteknucklecoaching.co.uk