At the beginning of each new year, many of us start thinking about resolutions. Usually these resolutions fall into one of three categories: 1) the same resolutions we make every year; 2) resolutions we keep for approximately two weeks; and 3) really radical resolutions that we commit to with passion, not action. What we really need are reasonable resolutions that yield radical results. What follows is a list of simple practices that can make a significant difference. You don't have to attempt to achieve them all at once. Pick one a month - or one a year! The important thing is that you begin a new practice and stick with it. If you forget, fall down or fail miserably, don't give up. Just start over again or try another practice on the list.

1. Slow down.

Take a moment to review your typical day. How much time is spent rushing around, doing this, delegating that, delivering this, insisting on that? How much of what you are doing is essential to your health and emotional balance and how much of it is just adding the buzz to your busy-ness? Slowing down takes discipline. It's not easy to quiet the incessant mind chatter and allow your body to rest in peace. Ironically, by taking the time to get quiet you create the environment to act with focus and with deliberation.

2. Clear out the clutter.

Take a look around you. The items within earshot or eyesight are all impacting you at some level. Whether you are right-brained or left-brained and prefer chaos or cleanliness, the things that capture your attention are the keys to your energy management. Do you have a list of to-do's waiting to be done? If so, start on them now. At the very least, schedule a time within the next ten days when you will do so. You give energy to unfinished projects every time they come to mind. Unfortunately that energy does not diminish the size of the project. Only doing it does. Clear out the clutter and create a space that attracts new people, ideas and things to you.

3. Cultivate your creativity.

Did you ever notice how expressive kids are and how easily they inject their imagination in an otherwise uneventful situation? Unless you are artistically inclined and can draw, dance, sing or write with confidence, as an adult you may classify yourself as creatively challenged. What you may be forgetting is that art is not about perfection but expression. Isn't it energizing to sing loudly and off-key in the shower? Isn't it fun to stomp in mud puddles or write your name in the sand? Don't you think the doodles you draw during meetings could at least qualify as refrigerator art? Try your luck at improvisational theater and make up a story with friends that unfolds as each of you tell one word of the story at a time. Creativity is fueled by such foolishness. Why not implement recess or joy breaks at your worksite?

4. Get moving!

Give your body a boost by making movement a part of each day. Optimal learning takes place when you literally let ideas move through you. If your job is mostly sedentary, make sure to get up every hour or so and move around. Your whole being will appreciate the attention. Simply rotating your ankles and pointing and flexing your feet will liven up your legs. Raising your arms over your head and gently reaching up as if you were climbing a rope will give up your upper body a great stretch. Climbing up and down a set of stairs will get your heart pumping. Walking to the water cooler and back will wake up your senses so that you can return to your tasks with an alert mind. Activity or movement does not have to be hard to be effective. It does, however, have to happen.

5. Pay attention.

Notice how what you allow in your life expresses itself through your life. From what you eat, to what you hear, to what you see, to what you do, these choices are mirrored back to you in your health, relationships, environment and finances. How many times have you eaten a meal while watching tv, talking to the kids, and reading the paper? Your life will be much more enjoyable if you are fully present for it. This means your mind, body, spirit and emotions are all in the same room. Sound easy? Try focusing on one activity for five minutes without moving on to something else. Notice what happens. This may require practice!

6. Start a fiscal fitness program.

What you resist persists. If you think your financial woes are going to go away by wishing they would, think again. It can be scary to face the financial fears that lurk behind unbalanced check books or unpaid bills, but it's even scarier to think you could be worrying needlessly because you really do have enough. Take the time to consult with a financial coach or someone who knows more about managing money than you do. Demystify the secrets surrounding money. Is money the barometer of your self worth? Develop a workable plan so you can enjoy a healthy relationship with money.

7. Try a little tenderness.

When you slow down (see #1), you realize a little love goes a long way. When you slow down, you have time to learn someone's name, hear someone's story or laugh at your own mistakes. Most people are not being nasty just to ruin your day. They may be temporarily acting that way for any number of reasons that have nothing to do with you. Contrary to popular belief, nastiness is not contagious. Practice alchemy. Spin crankiness into kindness. Flash your best smile. And if you are the crabby one, be gentle with yourself as well.

8. Play big.

I first heard this many years ago the words to Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" Playing big means showing up for life in all your glory. It means being that you that is perfect in your imperfections. It means expressing yourself in a way that is uniquely you and living your life in a way that works for you. Refuse to be limited by another's perception of who you are and what you can achieve. When you play big, it gives those around you

9. Your life is your message.

There is a story of a reporter who asked Mahatma Gandhi as he boarded a train in India if he had a message for the people. It was Gandhi's day of silence so he scribbled a note to the reporter. It read "My life is my message." When you understand that everything about you tells something about what is in you, you start to live your life with greater focus and pay more attention. Take time each day to evaluate what your life is broadcasting. You may choose to record these messages in a notebook or journal.

10. Tap into your Wellpower!

Many times when you attempt to make changes, you may believe all that is required is determination, discipline and willpower. Yet it's not willpower that can truly make a difference, but Wellpower! Understanding your strengths and weaknesses gives you the insights necessary to create a balanced lifestyle. I believe Wellpower(tm) resides in the mind, body, spirit, emotions, relationships, finances, space and purpose. Take the time to honestly explore your mastery of these individual areas. Then look at how each area affects the whole. Willpower implies struggle and resistance. Wellpower implies inner strength and depth. Given that choice, wouldn't you rather rely on your Wellpower?

Would you like to learn more?

For more information about how you might benift from coaching contact Greg at (760) 930-9604 or greg@zencoach.com.

Greg Clowminzer is a Business and Life Coach serving the needs of individuals in their desire to live a higher quality of life with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Greg Clowminzer www.zencoach.com greg@zencoach.com (760) 930-9604

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