At the start of a New Year, it is customary to make resolutions for a better life. Of course such traditions often lead to unachievable goals being set that do not fit practically with busy lifestyles. Yet realistic resolutions made at the start of the year – the goals that you really want to achieve – are highly motivating and valuable. Setting realistic goals will help you achieve the life you really want and give you something on which you can focus and work towards over the coming months. The key to successful resolutions is actually straight forward:

• Identify what you really want
• Ask yourself why you want to achieve it
• Focus on what it will give you when you have achieved it
• Ensure your goals are realistic and fit within your lifestyle

There is little point making ridiculous resolutions, such as losing three stone in two weeks or doubling your income overnight. Such ideals are not healthy for our minds or, in the case of rapid weight loss, our bodies! So here is how you can make resolutions to which you can commit and achieve, whilst raising your family, working and managing a busy household!

Assess everything about your life. Consider all aspects of yourself and your lifestyle that you would like to change for the better. You may have listed:

• Spend more quality time with your family
• Health and wellbeing
• Weight management and fitness levels
• A clutter-free home
• Career advancement

Once you have identified what it is you want to change, you now need to ask yourself why this is important and how it will make you feel if you achieve such a goal. For example, if you want to focus on your health and wellbeing, ask yourself how this will improve your life:

• More energy and vitality, enabling you to invest more of yourself in your family life.
• A happier you that is invigorated with a lust for life.
• Being healthy and in control of your wellbeing will boost your confidence enormously.

Although there are obvious reasons to all goals, ensure your motives are personal to you. Try not to set goals that belong to other people, such as celebrities. The lives of people in magazines and on television are not realistic to the vast majority of people. Your goals must be real to you and your lifestyle. Having personal goals will motivate you because they are based on your needs, values and aspirations alone. This in itself is incredibly empowering.

So before you commit to any declared resolutions this year, ensure they are meaningful, will add value to your life and are personal to you. I’d love to hear how you get on with setting and realising your goals for 2014. Please feel free to share your journey on my Twitter or Facebook profiles. Best wishes for a fulfilled and happy 2014!

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Empowering Mums enables mums to live their dreams and aspirations, to become confident, balanced, fulfilled and happy women. We work by supporting and encouraging mums to take ownership of their lives, make positive changes, fulfil their potential and live their lives to the full, achieving life-long ambitions and goals in all aspects of their life. Become the woman you strive to be and live with intention, not regret! Contact Empowering Mums today on 01606 334 015 or visit www.empoweringmums.co.uk for more information.