As we come to the end of 2011, I’m going to present a series of articles on goal setting and planning for 2012. So many people tell me they feel like they work hard, but don’t feel satisfied. They rarely feel complete and have the sense that there’s always something else to do. You’re running fast, but you still don’t feel like you’re getting closer to the goal. It’s almost as if as soon as you get there, the goal post gets set further and further down the field!

First, it begins with a vision. Your vision of what you want in tangible and intangible ways. Tangible might be material – you want a different home or a different car, even a different job. Maybe you’re looking for a relationship or you have a goal for your health. The intangibles are what you will feel like, what your life will BE like if you achieve those goals. For example, if I have a new house that is more spacious, I’ll have enough space to have quiet time to think, plan, work or relax without being disturbed. This will improve the quality of my life as I’ll experience greater peace of mind and I’ll feel sane!

Now try writing in the present. Take losing weight as an example. As I lose weight I feel more energetic and less tired. I feel more confident and healthier. My clothes fit better and I enjoy feeling in control of physical being.

As we wind down the year, take the time to think about what went well and what didn’t go as well as you would have liked. What would you like to experience in 2012 that’s different from 2011? What concrete action steps can you take to make those things a reality?

Write them down and then spend some time writing how you feel with that change made. Literally, write it down as if it’s happening right now in real time. Read this over and rewrite until you feel really pleased or excited or any positive emotion that indicates you really believe and feel what those changes could do for you. Take it a step further and create a vision board. Cut out images and words that represent the life you want to live. Put it somewhere you see it every day and program your subconscious mind. It really works and it’s fun to do – it gives you a chance to interact closely with your dreams – take them out, dust them off and make them a reality.

Next week, I’ll talk about some concrete goal setting steps you can use to wind up the year and start the next feeling ready to take on what’s yours to do.