Yes I’m 32 days late to send you this greeting but I really mean it. Personal development gurus and Neuro-scientists say that it takes at least 21 days to change a habit. That probably explains why it is a struggle to maintain New Year Resolutions and some of us give up before we reach day 21. I don’t set New Year’s Resolutions but Goals to help me achieve my Dreams as I continue to design the life I truly desire.

After achieving and tasting my desire for freedom to do whatever I want for the last decade, my goal for 2010 is to fulfill my vocation and create the tools to make that happen. Now that it’s February, it seems easier to get back into the swing of things after a 1 month break from my last contract at Ukash – a cash-based online payment system.

Where are you on your goals and achievements? If you feel you’re struggling, today is a good day to start afresh. Strive to work at your goal for at least 21 days and engage your emotions and your passions with it. When you face hurdles or obstacles seek inspiration and help outside of yourself to pep you up and re-spark your energy. Try playing your favourite music, talking with supportive friends and family or even help someone else with a challenge as even that time away from working on your goal can give you a fresh and new perspective.

I have yet to download my pictorial representation – vision board -  of my 2010 goals from my busy, hyperactive and creative mind to another media, but when I do, I’ll share it with you.

But for now, I’m off to make things happen for others and ultimately myself. Make your day great!

What is Life Design? To me it is when when an individual carefully and strategically designs and crafts their own dream life and lifestyle and actualises that plan. I’m a strong advocator of Life Design and have been for most of my life.

We’ve all heard the now cliche phrases – ‘Dream big’, ‘Work smart and not hard’, ‘Keep your dreams alive’. For nearly everyone it’s a struggle, so via this blog I will aim to share the how-tos of what I did to acheive my life design and the lessons I’ve learned from others.

Desiree Banugo’s Life Design:

• Work 9 months of 12 like at school – CHECK!
• Be able to pick and choose my own contracts and negotiate what I get paid – CHECK
• Minimise my tax bill by seeking the best advice and make more money in the process – CHECK
• Take extended holidays where and when I choose – CHECK
• Start in property investing – CHECK
• Start to transform my freelancing company into a full business concern – CHECK

and it doesn’t stop there, but that’s just a taster. There will also be some other thoughts and learnings, information and knowledge that I’d like to share too so look out for those  posts in the future.

Take some time to answer these questions and visualise your goals when you get there.

• What is your life design?
• What do you want to achieve/possess/experience  in your lifetime?
• How will you get there?
• Is anything or anyone holding you back from achieving those goals?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments box below.

Generally, I never wait ’til New Years ,Day 1st of the month or a Monday to start anything. Any change I want to effect in my life I start the minute or day that I make the commitment to change.

The events of this year will spark off so many new or re-confirmed dreams and goals. The global credit crunch has brought a change to many of our behaviours concerning consumerism and how we live. As a result, I would urge everyone to follow at least a few of these tips in your 2009 plans:

Watch your thoughts: Be careful of what you wish for. You will get it. The Universe doesn’t understand “Don’t give me X, Y and Z”, so you’ll get exactly what you asked not to receive. Be the master designer of your life. Be positive and think big – it’s all possible if you…

Believe: Apparently lack of belief has hindered many people from making the Law of Attraction work for them. It’s about developing a mindset to be open to receiving the blessings of the Universe. It won’t happen overnight but you’ll start to see things happen before your eyes.

Meditate/Pray/Study daily: Find quiet time to be with you and the Creator. Find your own way to have this conversation – what ever suits you is right for you. Find your gut instinct/intuition/quiet voice which will steer you through life to achieve your dreams. Read and watch material that inspires, energizes and teaches you how to live your life they way you truly want to.

Give and be grateful: What do you notice when you give without expecting in return? It’s amazing isn’t it? Have you paid attention to how many other blessings your receive when you give? Yes the Universe/Creator makes sure you’re always rewarded. Express gratitude everyday – in a journal, blog, video blog – whatever resonates with you. Your blessings will be increased many times over. Remember coincidences are the asked blessings that turn up unexpectedly! There is no such thing as coincidences.

and finally

Be more self-reliant: Over the last 30 years or more, we’ve been moving into a new age. Every 10 years (also called recessions) a major shift takes place and the outcome of the most recent events is we have to find ways to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. Jobs for life, occupational pensions, company sponsored health care (UK) have all but disappeared. Governments have less funding to look after us, especially after recent the multi trillion dollar bailouts. Find ways to use your talent and knowledge to create multiple income streams. Leverage your time to make sure that you can look after your loved ones at the level you desire and not the Government levels of poverty that we are currently seeing. Create and manage your own micro economy – learn about money and treat it well. It will bestow great treasures on you.

2009 will be whatever you make it. Take care of your business of your life and it will take care of you.

Happy New Year!