5 Essential Tips for a Phenomenal 2010

5 Essential Tips for a Phenomenal 2010
To You: Prayers and Blessings for a Happy New Year!

“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

Happy New Year ~2010 via NASA

Dear Reader: Welcome and Happy New Year! We made it didn’t we? The last decade was one long bumpy ride with peaks and valleys tossed in for good measure. We had barely gotten comfortable with writing the year 2000 when 9/11 took the wind out of our sail. We mourned, regrouped and responded with a focus that brought innovation and a renewed zeal to build successful businesses in finance, real estate, entertainment and a host of other fields. We watched enormous wealth go to a small but growing group of people. We fought two wars, recovered from a recession and started the underpinnings that would lead to another recession.

The internet exploded globally as Google showed up and dominated the online experience. For several years, we had a phenomenal real estate market and business was booming until the market crashed and the rest is recovery history… We shall overcome.

Unemployment figures are still high; health, security and green/sustainability are important growth areas for job-seekers. Social media and affiliate marketing remain part of the new growth industry and every brilliant creative is on the treadmill churning out new ways to connect/ reconnect; via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Myspace, Plaxo, ActiveRain and more. On a sad note, Michael, Farrah, Brittany, Bernie, Andrew and other loved ones passed away…

So much happened around the world during the last decade; especially in the final months of the year, however, we made it. Praise God! So, let’s reflect for a bit and imagine what might have been if we had pursued a particular path over another ~ or not … and then MOVE on. Reflect, release and get ready to push past fear, embrace your best self and dazzle in this decade.

Whatever our memories, it is time to pull ourselves together and consider a game-plan for the new decade. Where do you wish to be in 5 years? What are you planning to accomplish? Who will you bring along on your journey? By now, you’ve read tons about what to do to make this year great; you’ve probably created a to-do list of your own. Right? The tips below will serve as important support systems/anchors in our lives as we embrace the New Year and follow our hearts to accomplish our dreams. Don’t get stuck on stupid.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The lamp of the body is the eye…” Matthew 6:21-22

Family: Wishes for another Great Year

FAMILY: Our family is often at the core of every successful endeavor we pursue and they see us as we are. They cajole, criticize, and comfort us through our successes and failures. They upbraid us when we start believing our own positive press and pick us up when the talking heads brutally slam our creative efforts.
Our family is essential to the journey we take and we return to them, again and again, for validation and victory. Miss not the chance to engage yours as you step into your light this 2010. Embrace them, love them back and listen to their exhortations to go for your dreams or to hold back from a reckless decision. Our families know us well. Remember that the word family includes more than the traditional definition of family … It includes all types of supportive configurations we lean on for strength and more. Get to it!

“Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not turn right or left, keep your feet from evil” Proverbs 4:26-27

Friends: Bloom Like Flowers in 2010

FRIENDS: Our friends are a precious gift from the universe; particularly our true and closest friends. If you’ve lived long enough, you have probably had your share of trusted and conniving friends. We will ignore the latter and focus on the former for 2010. Your friends shower you with grace and joy and champion your efforts to traverse any hardships. So thank them and show you care… Be a true friend back. Pay it forward and make some new ones too. New friends are a joy but keep your old friends close too.
For 2010, acknowledge your friends and honor them openly. Sing their praises and hold them close to your heart – for without true friends we are lost in a sea of sycophants waiting, like vultures, to devour us… Alas, even the famous are not immune. There is an African proverb that says; He who has wealth, has friends but he who has true friends has divine and abundant wealth. Protect the wealth of good friendships with good action and let them know by reciprocating through acts of kindness and goodwill.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and not doubt … Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St. Thomas Aquinas”

Faith: Let the Tiger Roar in 2010

FAITH: Our faith carries us through the peaks and valleys of life. Often, we focus on the outward events that impact our lives and forget the still quiet magic that keeps us thriving. Whatever our faith, there is much to be celebrated and to be thankful for this 2010. We made it and we can all create richer, more satisfying lives this year. Believe you can and you will.
Welcome the year with faith and confidence that your good actions will bear good fruit. If you have a faithful practice that brings peace and inspiration into your life, shore it up by visualizing the outcomes you expect and then channel your energy into completing the tasks that will make your goals a reality. When you experience obstacles or difficulties, reflect, release your fears to the ether and trust that a solution is at hand … and so it is. Ask. Believe. Receive

“May he remember all your efforts. May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans.” Psalm 20:3-4

Focus: Full Moon Bird via Ernest Coleman

FOCUS: As we plan our year ahead, it is important to develop clarity about what we wish to accomplish and why. It takes enormous focus to complete any goal successfully and while we might sometimes fall short of our self-imposed expectations, it is imperative that we refrain from abandoning our goals. Refocus when you slip up and get back to the work you need to do as quickly as possible.
Behind every disappointment is an opportunity for renewed effort and phenomenal success. Don’t give up, simply rein in the mental negative backtalk, and fix your eyes on the price. You are closer than you think and focused action is a powerful way to stay on top this year. As the year progresses and you continue to work diligently on your planned goals, ask yourself the following questions about each goal: What is the singular reason for accomplishing this goal? Is it still relevant? Do I need to shift my focus to a higher purpose?

“The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart is trusting and I am helped; therefore my heart rejoices and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7

Fun: Celebrate the New Year brightly via Dgreetings

FUN: Motivation without mirth is pointless. You owe yourself moments of joy, rest, relaxation and fun. We often forget that our creative juices flow freely when we are at ease; in a state of joyful, blissful relaxation. Find a new hobby or way to uplift your spirits. Take a dance class or singing lessons; learn a new language, a new marketing skill or even take yoga lessons. Add something new to your repertoire; it will make for great conversation and get you re-energized.
Don’t miss any opportunities to hang out with friends and enjoy a good meal. Do listen to great music, read an uplifting book or even watch a movie. Remember to factor in some fun time this year as it will guide you to your muse, and lead you to all those fantastic places where rewards await you; just like you dreamed… Have a fabulous year ~ You deserve to succeed!

What do you think? What essential tips are you adding to your treasure box this year? Do share.

PHOTO CREDITS:
Happy New Year 2010 ~ via NASA
Family:Another Great Year ~ via Free Digital Photo
Friends: Bloom Like Flowers in 2010 ~ via blish Ind Google Images
Faith: Let the Tiger Roar in 2010 ~ Chinese New Year via Google Images
Focus: Full Moon Bird ~ via Ernest Coleman, AP Cincinnati Inquirer
Fun: Celebrate the New Year brightly ~ via D Greetings Google Images

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank