Setting our intentions, having a clear picture of what we want to achieve is an important part of our lives, and not just as we prepare for the New Year. When we are clear about what we want, and think about how we can achieve our goals, dreams and desires we can make clear and detailed plans. It is useful to often stop and reflect on our goals, to redefine what we want, make any changes or modifications, and clarify our focus. Many people talk about short term goals, long term goals, five year goals, one year goals, the list is endless. I don’t think it matters so much whether the goals are time specific, it is more important that we can see our end game, the outcome and the steps to get there.

There is lots of literature written about positive thoughts and that the universe provides what it is we focus on. When we focus on the negative, worry, things we don’t have, then the universe provides us with more worry, stress and lack. When we focus on the positive, on having an abundance, of all our dreams coming true, the universe provides this. The universe, our spirit angel guides, God, mother earth or whatever name we use, doesn’t differentiate between positive and negative. The key is that what we focus on is what we are given. Doesn’t it make sense then to change our thinking and focus on positive, happy thoughts and outcomes?

So step one is to practise being positive, to think happy thoughts, dream of the outcomes we want from life. Whether it is our dream car, dream home, perfect job, happy family, health, a holiday, or the best parking spot. Some people use meditations, mantra or vision boards to focus and concentrate and practise this skill. Focussing on the end result for a few minutes each day can help manifest our desires. The more creative we are, the more we think about manifesting our desires, the more easily we can focus.

Step two is to practise an attitude of gratitude. Acknowledge and show gratitude for everything positive already in our lives. As we go about our day, quietly, or loudly say thank you to the universe. The more we are grateful, the more we will find to be grateful for. We could write the words thank you, in paint, sand, flowers, counters, anything at all finding creative and fun ways to show our thankfulness. As we prepare for sleep, we focus on all the positive things of the day, all the things that made us smile. We feel grateful as we give thanks. When we awake first thing in the morning, we thank the universe for all the joys and happiness the new day will bring. We picture and imagine and feel receiving all that we want from life, and smile, skip, sing and dance.

As we practise these steps, we get used to focusing and believing in the future of our dreams. We can see it, we can feel it, we act and think as if we have already achieved our goals. We make it as concrete and clear and detailed as possible. We can make daily affirmations, setting our intentions and setting our goals. Making our intentions and goals as specific as possible.  I make lists of what I want to achieve in set timeframes. Some things like repairing relationships, will probably take a longer time and a lot more steps. Other goals. Like learning a new skill, starting a vegetable garden or starting to do more exercise take less time and steps. Think of all the small, little steps it takes to get where you want to be, and make a start. The more you practice, the easier this becomes. Before long you will look back on the previous six months in wonder and awe in all that you have achieved.