Welcome to the New Year.  Let’s start with a definition of  “Optimal Well Being”.

Optimal is ‘Most Desirable Possible’.    Well is ‘In a Satisfactory Condition’.  Being is ‘The Quality of Existence’ or ‘Essential Nature’.  So, here we have our topic:  Goal Setting for the Most Desirable, Satisfactory Condition of our True Nature.   From a spiritual point of view, the earth, our world, all creatures, and man are ever changing, growing, searching, and expanding for the best, that is our true nature.    Or to steal a quote from the US Army,  “Be All You Can Be”.

Notice the word “Be” that is not the same as “Do”.  Long ago at the EST training(given by Werner Erhard in the 70’s), I learned that, as humans, the creation of what we want goes in this order: BE, DO, HAVE.   In our goal setting, it is important to remember how we achieve our goals – our desired results.  First we Be, from that we are inspired to Do, then we Have the result.  Let’s break that down with the emphasis on “Be”. The word ‘Be’ means to exist, to have the quality of existing, to be identical to existing.  In other words, in order to ‘Have’ the result, I have to Be the result first.  And how can you  ‘Be’? You ‘Be’ the type of person that already has that goal, that result, in your thoughts, words, feelings, and actions.

Here’s  an example.  One of my goals for this year is to lose 15 pounds.   As you may guess, this is NOT the  first time I have had this goal.  In the past, there have been many times I have lost(and gained) 15lbs.   However, I ONLY did the doing that lead to the weight loss, exercise and diet.  This year I know will be different because I have been working on ‘Being’ the type of person that is lighter, has more strength, and flexibility.  I am practicing appreciation towards my current body, my current wardrobe, my current diet and activity.  My vision of a body that is 15lbs lighter enjoys eating well , exercising, and shopping for clothes that feel comfortable while giving a professional , polished appearance.    I do not spend time judging my current body, I focus on the body of my desire.  I accept(I make it my own) the body for myself in my thoughts and my feelings, then the inspired actions of making better food choices, finding the right book to read, the right exercise buddy, and many other effortless circumstances come my way to support my desired goal. These activities flow naturally to and from me without a lot of effort, shoulds, and denial.  Now that the ‘Doing’ activities are occurring, you are on your way to having your goal/desire.

So here is a suggestion for your New Year Resolutions:

• Start with the end in mind.
• Create an Essay, a story of what you desire, what you would LOVE to have(not what your current conditions may dictate as reasonable, but what your heart is aching for).
• Describe your desires in detail, as muchdetail as you can think of.  Express how great it feels and how much appreciate you have for your new way of being.
• Read your vision daily, as many times as possible, especially first thing in the morning and the last thing before going to sleep.

Then watch for the gentle nudgings that come to move you towards the fulfillment of your dreams.
Nameste

Suggested Reading:
Women, Food, and God  by Geneen Roth
Ask & It is Given by Jerry & Esther Hicks
Stand Up for your Life  Cheryl Richardson
The Success Principles by Jack Canfield