I heard on the radio this morning that today the 21st January is considered the day that most people will suffer from the post Christmas and holiday blues.

I must admit I certainly feel a little bit like I need another holiday. It’s always hard getting back into a routine when you have a break and it can make you feel a little bit down.

However, getting back into a routine is just what you need to snap you back into shape. Consider what you were doing before the holiday period and what you aren’t yet doing today.

For example, I had been going to the gym at 6:45am every Monday - Friday. So felt very pleased with myself that I had been able to go to the gym 5 times per week for almost 3 months. Over the last part of December I let things slip as I wasn’t at work and for the most part wasn’t at home so my local gym was out of reach.

Now that I’m back, it has taken a while to get back into the routine. The more I avoid the routine the more I feel that I’m letting myself down.

So I decided, to stop beating myself up, and just get back into the swing of things. It gives me a sense of structure and knowing that I’m doing what’s good for me. By the end of the week I know my mood will have lifted and I’ll feel better and healthier. That alone has given me something to look forward to!

Congratulations on making it through Christmas/the Holiday period and New Year!

It’s often one of the most stressful times of the year for many people.

People often ask me as a coach what New Year resolutions I have made. I’m afraid to say that I never make them. Let me explain though. Every three to six month I take a sheet of paper and draw a circle. I divide up the circle into 8 sections. In each section I write a part of my life that is important to me, eg Health, Career, Home, etc. I then grade myself in each section and this helps me identify areas that are lacking and need a little extra attention.

Just out side of the circle I write why these are important to me. Then I write down then goal I have for that section.

Finally I write a one line statement for the next step I need to take to move me one day closer to that goal.

Then I put that piece of paper away and don’t look at it for another 3-6 months.

Each time I start a new “Wheel of Life” as it’s called, I review the old one. I’m always amazed that 90-100% of the previous goals I set myself have been achieved or due to a change in direction were no longer a goal of mine.

So I don’t need to make resolutions once a year, as I make then 2-4 times throughout the year. This type of breaking down your goals into smaller chunks makes you far more likely to succeed!

If you would like a copy of a Wheel of Life for yourself, just contact me with your email address and I’d be delighted to send a template over to you straight away.

Oh and Happy 2008!