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One of the most important things we need to do when setting goals, making decisions, or taking actions is to get a clear picture of what we actually want to achieve – to clarify our purpose, the desired outcome and the benefits of those goals, decision or actions. To get a clearer image of what we really want it can be helpful to focus on both the big picture and also the details that make up that bigger picture. This was brought home to me in quite a simple but effective way a few days ago.

It’s year end – a time to traditionally take stock of the last twelve months and look forward to consider our hopes and dreams, and our wishes for the year ahead.

What are the gifts that matter the most to you? Which memories bring the greatest pleasure when you look back over past Christmases? How much does it really have to cost? Where will your focus be during this year’s celebrations? Who will you share your precious time and attention with?

I drove around the inlet today. The road is winding and narrow and it’s often hard to see what is coming in the other direction, so I’m always on the alert. Even so, I was quite surprised to be confronted by a pilot vehicle coming rapidly towards me carrying a sign announcing there was a WIDE LOAD FOLLOWING.

Role models enter our lives for a purpose, to help us grow and develop to be all we are capable of being. From the distance of time we can acknowledge significance of the impact of their example and influence upon our lives. . .

Most of us go through a time of adjustment when looking for a new job, and many experience anxiety and uncertainty during the process. Recognising that these feelings are normal helps you remain positive. Building some structure into your day helps to maintain motivation and balance during your job search.

How can you tell if clutter has become a problem? Use this checklist to help you evaluate your own clutter situation. If you answer yes to any of these questions it may be time to stop and take stock of your surroundings and make a plan to clear the decks so you can enjoy what you own rather than feeling owned by your belongings. Be kind to yourself while doing this - most of us could benefit from making a bit more space in our lives.

Are happy being who you are? Or instead, are you trying to be the person you think others want you to be? Are you constantly holding back, afraid that other people won’t like or accept you if they get to know you and find out what you are ‘really’ like? Well the news is all good. You were put on this earth to be the person you truly are. You CAN learn to accept and love yourself just as you are. Follow the seven tips below and learn to love yourself.

We all tell ourselves stories about who we are and who we think we could be. Are your stories helping or hindering you to live your best life? Are they making you feel strong and capable or weak and unable to act?

Amidst the tragedy of the recent earthquake in Christchurch, stories of a myriad of unselfish acts of kindness have shone like a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. This has prompted me to share my own story of how my life was once touched by an unexpected kindness from strangers.

January is nearly over – does it still feel like a ‘new year’ to you or has it already become just ‘more of the same’? We tend to start out with a burst of enthusiasm - ‘this is the year I’ll…’ - and then all too often we find ourselves bogged down, not really getting anywhere with making the changes we dreamed about. Here are some ideas to keep you moving towards your goal; one effective step at a time.

It can be challenging at this time of year to find a way of enjoying the holiday season in a way that is meaningful to you personally. There may be pressures to spend too much, eat too much and do too much and not a great deal of time, energy or money left over for what really matters to you. I would encourage you to take a few moments to consider how to get the most out of the holiday season and make this time of year more meaningful.

An important component of goal setting is who we are BEING, not just what we are DOING. Taking action is vital in order to bring about changes but unless those actions are rooted in our vision of or future; lined up with our values; and use our own particular strengths, then they are just a bunch of activities and may not be effective. I have made many attempts to clear up my cluttered study. This is one place my usually well-organised approach to running my home falls to pieces!

Books have been my friends since I was a small girl. I really can’t choose a favourite as many have had such a positive influence on my life. I will, however, share one that really made an impact on me.

Is fear sapping your energy and holding you back from achieving all you want to in life? A simple change in focus can help to free you from debilitating fear and propel you into enhanced self-belief and bring about successful results in your life. Learn how to use the power of your mind to unlock the motivation and determination required to bring about your success. Put your renewed energy into taking positive action that will help you achieve your dreams.

While we don’t always have control over the circumstances of our lives, we do have control over how we react to them. Our beliefs shape our thoughts and our thoughts motivate our actions. Building a robust belief in ourselves, in our strengths, and in our ability to take appropriate and effective action will help us weather the storms of life, recover from adversity, and strengthen our ability adapt to change

Our desire for change can start as a nagging feeling that life could be better than it is, or it could stem from a deep dissatisfaction with some particular aspect of our day-by-day existence. As well as opening up possibilities for personal growth and positive transformation, change can bring up all sorts of fears and conflicting feelings. Your approach to change will determine the outcome.

It seems like every day there are more articles and books being written about positive thinking. Some support the benefits of positive thinking and others warn against its pitfalls. I wonder, is either approach right, or is there another way that will support us in leading a happy and fulfilled life?

Our actions are based on our words; our words are based on our thoughts; and our thoughts are based on our beliefs – beliefs about the world and our place in it. Words are powerful – they can build us up or tear us down; they can inspire us or make us so afraid of failing that we fail to act at all.