My 2009 to-do list includes learning how to make a good omelette and drinking more green tea, because I believe that small goals are as important as the life altering ones. I do however have that other (official) list that focuses on the bigger issues.

I was never a believer in New Year Resolutions, as much as reviewing the year that has passed and going into the next 365 days with a well thought out plan of measured steps that will lead to desired results and goals.

This new year instead of churning out the same old vague lose weight, grow your business, get more exercise resolutions why not pinpoint the issues that are important to you, your family and business?

Focus on what will grow and strengthen you.

Make this the year when you don’t succumb to multi-media pressure and well intentioned but unsolicited advice. Read less self help books; for while they may provide a glimmer of a solution, for the most part it is the same advice perpetually reinvented with a new catchy branding.

Focus on your own experiences, wisdom and instincts for the answers.

Life Coaching Tips

1. Spend less time with the naysayers and more with friends who are positive and enrich your life.

2. Relax with books you want to read not books that you should read.

3. This year think less about fitting into that pair of jeans and more walking the dog three mornings a week.

4. Concentrate less on the number of calories and more on preparing healthy meals.

5. Make your home not about having perfectly organized closets but a place that is a comfortable sanctuary where you and your family can recharge in order to be ready for what lies ahead.

Business Coaching Tips

1. This is definitely the year for firm and well researched professional decisions; run your business or make career choices more from your masculine side.

2. Have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish in 2009 with your business & define your niche market. Once this is done ‘running’ the business is much easier.

3. Recession proof your business by starting the day with a money making task.

4. As well as your core services develop smaller ones or offer some less expensive products that address the current economic situation.

The heart of 2009 should be that the choices are yours as to how you manage your life. I choose to eat chocolate cake with those cups of healthy green tea.