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People usually give goals a thought at the start of the New Year.

You know the usual mantras ‘ The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan’.

Let me suggest something different for 2008.

Rather than focus on a goal that can be achieved and ticked what about focusing on a value that cannot be achieved or completed but will motivate you for the rest of your life. Goals usually have a time frame.

Values are forever.

Take honesty for example... will you ever be able to say you have achieved it? I was honest in 2008. How about kindness or compassion or generosity? You can’t tick these off the list like losing weight or writing a book or visiting a country. They can go on motivating you forever, like shooting for the stars and knowing that you won’t get there.

Here’s my suggested New Year’s resolution. Think about a value that you are ready to get serious about and get started on living this value every day. Make this value a part of your everyday life.

Here are some values to choose from...

• Co-operation
• Honesty
• Respect
• Compassion
• Kindness
• Patience
• Cheerfulness
• Responsibility
• Courage

Any of these will create a challenge if they are to permeate our lives. Just try one and consider how it can become a part of everything you do. Honesty is a huge challenge if taken seriously. People are not so fragile that they can’t handle the truth. If you think people are not ready for your honesty, try combining it with respect.

Just an idea to get you past the goal setting and New Year’s resolution that is a necessary task at the start of each year.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and an exciting start to 2008.

Regards,

Paddy Spruce CSP