With little of the New Year underway, you probably know exactly where to find your calendar, don’t you? How would you like to propel yourself into a thriving 2005? All you’ll need to do is follow this plan, then jot down and do twenty-four fabulous activities between now and December 31st. I guarantee that by engaging in all twenty-four activities (every single one is your divine choice) you will enable yourself to more fully proclaim your power.

Dare to try something new.

I was on a business trip in Los Angeles the day my former husband remarried. While it was a blessing to be across the country during the emotionally difficult weekend, my location required me to step out of my comfort zone and do something I’d been far too intimidated to do on any previous trips—navigate the freeways and streets of Southern California. In the past my husband had done the driving in L.A., while I sat huddled in the passenger seat, thinking, “I could never do this alone.”

Years later I am happy, and only slightly embarrassed, to report that during one long weekend, I logged 600 miles in my rental car. Sure, it took massive amounts of determination and prayer, but in the end the benefits were beyond measure. I left Los Angeles believing in myself at a time I needed it most.

Can you imagine taking a risk twelve times this year? What limiting beliefs are you allowing to get in your way? What simple actions would build your confidence in 2005? For me, it’s when I think I’m not equipped to make a significant change in my life that I remember those triumphant giggles on Highway 405.

Stop right now and write down one new activity for each month on your calendar. They don’t have to involve supreme risk—this is your life, not Fear Factor—but think of things you’ve feared, or put off doing. It’s okay to take baby steps, but take a stand.

Practice Extreme Self-Care.

One thing I know without question is that if you nurture yourself, you are better equipped to handle life’s stress, make affirming decisions, and care for others.

Practicing self-care is not about being selfish; it is mandatory,
especially while one is going through difficult times.

Extreme self-care is the practice of fully committing to a nurturing regimen. It’s more than a “just enough” practice of self-care. Extreme self-care requires connecting with your “self” on a daily basis, deciding what you need (serenity, exercise, support, rest, creativity, etc.), and following through to make it happen.

What nurturing activities would soothe your soul and rejuvenate your joy for life? What have you done in the past that made all the difference to your spirit?

Write down one blissful, nurturing activity for every month. For extra credit in your own book, how about trying more than one self-care practice per month? Schedule this time as you would any important appointment and follow through on it. Find a babysitter, say “no” to something else, whatever it takes, but do this for yourself.

Believe in Yourself.

Implementing the first two secrets will catapult you far into 2005. Responding to life as if you entirely and without question believed in yourself is the pièce de résistance—the finishing touch.

You’ve heard the old adages, “fake it until you make it” or “acting as if”? They are more than idle phrases. They work! To fully believe in ourselves, we often find we’re forced to think differently. We cannot remain trapped in the quagmire of restricted thinking about being too old to start over, or not getting beyond what the “scoundrel” did. It is not easy to think differently, and may go against every fiber of our current being. When you find yourself struggling against honest feelings of defeat, fake it. Pretend that you’re on top of things, or imagine yourself as indestructible (you really are, you know). For now, put on a costume and play this role, and soon the confidence will become your own.

You can do this; I believe in your power. One simple plan and twenty-four wondrous activities will help you achieve the life you seek. Happy New Year!