Here you have it- the year 2010 and it’s your time to shine! I’m sure for many of you 2009 had some great moments and it also probably presented its challenges as well.  Perhaps you experienced heart-breaking moments in relationships and friendships or maybe you endured financial hard times or possibly health issues. If you’re reading this- YOU SURVIVED!

My hope for you 2010 is that no matter your experiences last year, you were able to embrace the growth and integrate into your life the lessons you were taught and set your goals for success in 2010.

The following are 6 tips to help you win in 2010:

1. Reflect on the previous year- Notice I said ‘reflect’ not dwell. When reflecting on the previous year, ask yourself these 3 questions- What didn’t work so well last year? What went very well last year? What can I do differently this year? As you answer each question your opportunity for growth should become crystal clear. Extract the lessons from the year and leverage them into your goals for 2010.
2. Got Goals? Write them down! – Listen, if you don’t have goals then you do not have a plan and I can assure you that you will not experience growth or success this year. In fact, if you don’t have goals, you can expect to be in the place that you are right now, emotionally, spiritually, financially, and probably being  more psychologically frustrated will be the only change you’ll experience.  Goals help you start the blueprint to your future. Write your goals down on a sheet of paper, white board, a napkin…anything. Write them down and read over them daily. This helps in the process to bringing them to fruition.
3. Visualize- You heard it before and I’ll say it again- If you can SEE IT YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT! These words ring incredibly true! Although a simple exercise, visualization is an incredibly  powerful and effective technique for creating whatever you want in your life albeit a loving relationship, abundance, good health, a successful career. If you can see it, you can achieve it. There are 1000s of visualization exercises that you can incorporate into your life to help you actualize your goals and dreams. Choose one and own it!
4. Be Proactive- Get it in gear! People generally are reactive to 90% of the things that happen in their lives. I’m almost positive you fit into this bunch or you know someone who does. If so, it’s okay; now that you’re aware of it you can do something about it this year. Being proactive means that you are setting the intention to take control of your life and accomplish the goals that you have set for 2010 and beyond. Remember these words- Procrastination in life is slow painful death.
5. Make it Happen- Taking action is essential to making purposeful progress in your life. I figure like this, if you’re going to lay all of the above ground work isn’t it worth it to you to Make It Happen in your life? Why would anybody want to waste so much valuable knowledge and effort only to sit back and let fear take over? I didn’t think so. Make the natural choice in your life and pursue your goals and dreams this year. You’ll regret it every moment of everyday because your conscious will always remind you….everyone knows how this feels. Not a cool feeling!
6. Follow Through- Follow through is critical. This is the stage when you’ve made the attitude adjustment and you’ve bought into your dream and your value for self. Congratulations! None of this matters if you don’t believe in you. When following through, be sure to continue to do the small (critical) things such as review your goals, prioritize, don’t be afraid to ask for support, make calls or emails to those who meet your criteria for business and personal growth, celebrate the small successes and most important, don’t be so hard on yourself but be hard enough that you don’t backslide.

This is your year! Get your plan together to create a New You, New Attitude and get New Results in 2010!

Women, Be Strong. Be Empowered.

Shelby M. Hill MBA, CPC

The Relationship Coach

There are many key elements that pertain to relationship fulfillment and personal development that is often necessary in the preparation to a lasting, healthy and loving connection. Now, there are many essential components to “doing the work” on one’s self. The work is ongoing but the process is invaluable. The following are what I consider the main essentials (not in any order of preference) to “doing the work” before you get into a relationship.

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