How to Have 2016 Be Your Best Year Yet, Part 1

Inside each of us is a deep well of wisdom that is underutilized because we haven't learned how to tap into it in a consistent and inspiring way.

We use but a small percentage of the gifts we've been given. We get lost in doubts and fears that keep us on the track of the familiar and comfortable, making the same mistakes, and doing less of what matters most to us. As Franklin Roosevelt reminded us, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Several weeks ago I talked on Journal Talk Radio about why we lose touch with ourselves. I also shared openly about a painful lesson I've learned in the past year. Click here to listen.

Fortunately our store of wisdom and clarity remains no matter how low our confidence. No matter how big our failures or bad our mistakes, it is there to bring us back because it's as indestructible as a diamond, and as resilient as the blazing sun.

Making a best year yet plan can resolve this issue because it asks 10 questions that only your true self can answer. As you answer them, you naturally move the fears aside and get to the heart of the matter. The result is a one-page plan, sourced by your inner knowing -- a path through 2016 to your best year yet. And more importantly, every moment you're working to achieve your plan; you're tapping into your "deep well of wisdom in a consistent and inspiring way."

Answering these questions takes about two or three hours to do properly, quiet time when you take a fresh look at your life, learn, dream, and make your plan. Focus on this one activity -- no multitasking please. Be still and learn from yourself. Most importantly:

• Capture every response that occurs to you, trusting that it's arriving from your all-knowing self. Instead of editing or rejecting, trust.
• Write down every response.

Here are the first four questions with brief instructions. You'll find more guidance and support in my book Your Best Year Yet or at the Best Year Yet website.

1. What did I accomplish? Begin by capturing the good news of the past year, the results that get lost when your attention is on failures and disappointments. Time to pat yourself on the back. Big and small achievements -- they all count. If it occurs to you, write it down.

I'm at my peak!
I make a big difference wherever I go!
I'm powerful!
My gifts are making good things happen!

Part 2 of this article will include the rest of the questions plus tips about how to keep your alive through the year. However, these four questions are plenty to get started with -- I always say that once you've answered the first four questions, you're more than halfway there!

If you'd rather not wait to complete your 2016 plan, here are two options --

• Get Your Best Year Yet! -- there's a free workbook in the back of the book.

• Join the Best Year Yet global community -- subscribe here.

I'm here to answer any questions you have about making your plan. Either scroll down on this page or write to me directly at jinny@bestyearyet.com.

For more by Jinny Ditzler, click here

For more on GPS for the Soul, click here.

For more about Best Year Yet, click here