How to Have the Best Year of Your Life

Centuries from now, when we reflect on the antics of 2008, some people may refer to it as the "Era of Gluttony." The headlines of '08 depict a year riddled with financial turmoil, and corruption marked by historical remembrance. From the plummet of Wall Street, Bernie Madoff's billion-dollar hedge fund heist, to the elect of America's 44th President, 2009 is poised for a new era of universal consciousness.

A new year presents an opportunity to redefine life and the hope for a better tomorrow. As Mr. Obama will pledge to morph the social economic landscape of America, what will the rest of our resolutions herald? Rich Ross, President of Disney Channels Worldwide, says that he hopes to get to the point where he can do a yoga headstand without having to rely on the stability of a wall. [Source Wall Street Journal, Weekend Journal Saturday/Sunday 27-28, 2008]

Whether it's improving eating habits, getting a raise, or finding a soul mate, all resolutions are about improving life quality. From person-to-person, resolutions are subjective. Defined as "the process of resolving something, the firmness of mind or purpose or executing a definitive plan to do something," resolutions have the capacity to transform lives and make way for the best year ever.

Mr. Ross' resolution exemplifies how these yearly personal pledges are a metaphor of bigger issues: Our contribution and responsibility to mankind. Every human serves as a congruent appendage to the planet. Whether it's providing janitorial services or devising a financial portfolio, our talents represent a larger component of our living resolution to humanity.

Twenty-o-eight was a living testament of how self-gratifying behavior and global events are intricately intertwined. The destabilization of Wall Street illustrates a universal hypersensitivity to the repercussions of humankind. Financial losses afflicted on some foundations, affluent and Jewish associations resonate the Securities and Exchange Commission's irresponsible ineptitude to audit Bernie Madoff's accounting "principles."

Nevertheless, it's impractical to make resolutions without a diagnosis. Forethought of our pasts helps amend the future. Prior to prescribing a medical therapy, physicians pose questions, conduct examinations, and order diagnostics. Without a diagnosis, the possibility of a cure is virtually unfeasible. The same concept is applicable to resolutions.

In terms of implementing resolutions for 2009, an introspective self-evaluation is the preliminary step to planning a result's driven year. Start with Segment I to synchronize your life agenda.

Segment I - A Life in Review

Complete the following sentences about yourself:

My...

Strengths are... (I.e., good listener, creative, analytical thinker, etc)

Weaknesses are... (Judgmental, procrastinator, unhealthy living)

Profession/purpose is...

My interpersonal relationships are... (Drama-filled, positive...)

Spiritual/Emotional fiber is...

Through an evaluation of the past, the future is amendable. Once Obama assumes the role of presidency, his cabinet might review the errors of the previous administration to prevent the same adversity and prepare accordingly. The self-examination in Segment I should help formulate an actualization plan. By taking your physical, mental, spiritual and personal wellness into account, improving life quality becomes innate.

Segment II - The 2009 Wish list

Remember, the key to ensuring the best year of your life is creating a comprehensive blueprint. Be specific in your wish list. For instance, if your weight goal is 95 pounds, with sculpted abs, incorporate each detail into your wish list. Contemplate your ideal life enhancements and document them in the following outline to help chart your resolutions:

Personal (accomplishments, financial, love, career, etc.)

Mental (emotional wellness, healing)

Physical (health, fitness, etc.)

Spiritual (relationship with Higher power, universal purpose)

Select areas of your life that you wish to improve. For instance, if your immediate objective falls under the "personal" relationship love category, the list would be inclusive of specific details: honesty, communicative, monogamous, go-getter, someone who makes me feel like an important part of their life, same religious beliefs (i.e., Catholic), et cetera. In cases where certain physical attributes are non-negotiable, add them to the wish list.

Fine-tuning goals alleviates the chance of disappointment and the ramifications of an ill thought out plan.

Segment III - Formulating the Dream

Discipline sets the stage for achievement. After doctors diagnose a medical condition, they prescribe a plan of action. From diet, exercise and specific medications, therapy involves a number of benchmark initiatives. In order to win eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Michael Phelps attributed the formula of his team's success to enduring hours of training. Formulating the dream is similar. To achieve your goals, devise a precise plan of action:

►Resolution

►The obstacles/barriers

►How to overcome the hurdles

►Which actions will place you in alignment with your objectives

If the primary focus is financially inspired, create a list of spending habits. From the morning coffee at Starbucks, to the weekly pedicure, be sure to itemize each expense.

Calculate income versus monthly expenditures. Set a budget with a specific dollar amount allocated for a savings account or other interest accruing account. Include other goals, such as a 20 percent raise, new job, home business, et cetera.

Segment IV - The Progress Report

This step is tantamount to planting the seed. Whatever your primary resolution is, write it down, place it in a wallet, or add it to your screensaver. Daily, perform a minimum of one task related to reaching your goal. Record each accomplishment in a journal or on a PDA. Regardless of the cause, success requires the constant nourishment of persistent action.

Segment V - Living the Best Year of Life

Meditation, focus and visualization are the final steps to living the best year of your life. The ability to imagine oneself in the ideal resolution scenario is an integral aspect of improving life quality. Mr. Phelps says, "If you dream as big as you can dream, anything is possible," and attributes his mental visualizations to the reason his team was able to win so many medals. [Source: Swim Network Blog August, 16, 2008]

Visualize, visualize, visualize. Create a mental movie of your goals. If your resolution is to lose weight this year, picture yourself donning minimalist couture. Individuals in financial duress should imagine themselves with an abundance of cash and a sense of relief. People looking for love should picture a faceless image of someone showering them with the love they desire.

With a realistic course of action, discipline and visualization, anyone can make 2009 the best year of their life.