News from The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company

A new year has begun. The slate is wiped clean, and you can start fresh. You can build upon the good things that you've accomplished and make changes to the things that didn't work for you.

When starting a personal renewal, the first thing to do is to make YOU a priority. In order to give your best, it is essential that you take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. When you're not feeling up to par, it is impossible to give your best to the task at hand, or to others.

To optimize your health, go to your doctor and dentist for regular checkups. Eat a healthy diet, and incorporate regular exercise throughout your day. Take breaks when you need to, and make time for hobbies and other things that you enjoy. Don't feel guilty about taking time off. You should never feel guilty about being good to yourself.

The next step is to figure out what you want to accomplish and to assess your motivation. In order to fulfill your objectives, you need to be motivated. Fear, misery, and unhappiness can be powerful motivators. Human beings sometimes need a certain amount of unrest before they are willing to take the actions needed to make positive changes. Think about what's bothering you the most. What do you have a burning desire to change about yourself or your situation?

Consider all areas of your life. Are you unhappy in your personal or business relationships? Do you want to improve your finances? Are you unhappy with your present vocation? Do you want to improve your health and fitness? Is clutter a problem for you? Are you bored? Would you like to pursue new interests?

Focus on the things that are nagging at you the most, and create a specific plan of action. Keep in mind that making resolutions and setting goals aren't the same. You need to do both. Making a resolution means that you envision what you want to accomplish. Setting a goal means that you have a written action plan with specific milestones and deadlines.

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To use project management lingo, your goals should be SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. As part of the process, it's important to make yourself accountable for your action and non-action. Accountability and the support of others are crucial to your success.

In 2010, I needed to improve my health and state of mind. I joined a health club and had a specific three-day per week exercise program. I was also being evaluated on a quarterly basis by health club coaches and my doctor. A specific plan, with a time element involved, and accountability to others was the formula that I needed to improve my health.

While some people dread the thought of making resolutions, I strongly believe that it's helpful to take stock of our lives every so often and think about what we can do better. This is especially important for highly sensitive people. Many of us have a tendency to stay within our comfort zones and to put other peoples' needs before our own.

Why not turn over a new leaf and make 2011 be the year that you improve your lot in life? Keep your expectations positive, and you may be surprised at all that you can accomplish!