Standing on the precipice of new beginnings can be energizing and inspiring.  But until that deep yearning is paired with an actual, specific strategy, no change is likely to happen.

Strategies for change do not need to be detailed or complicated. But, they do need to be intentional. And, personal plans tend to be most effective when they focus on small shifts in our daily activity that lay the groundwork for the development of new habits.

For example: 

• Becoming more organized can begin with taking two minutes at the end of each day to sort through mail and papers that need to be dropped in the recycling bin.  
• Becoming healthier can begin with parking the car further from the door so a few more steps are taken to and from the office. 
• Becoming a better leader can begin with spending 5 minutes at the start of each meeting to engage participants in discussing what they hope to accomplish by the end of the meeting. 

Naturally, your strategy for a new beginning needs to be tailored to your unique situation. But, be sure to develop a simple, doable plan that you can begin easily. And remember: 

We are fooling ourselves when we hope for change without changing anything!

• What are you yearning to change in your life?
• How would life be different if you made that shift? 
• What strategy can you develop that will enable you to accomplish the change you desire?