In today's hectic world there are many demands on your time and attention. If you don't make a conscious effort to determine where you are going, in terms of life and career direction and where you are investing your time and energy, you will constantly be reacting to the demands of others. After January, September is the most popular month for making resolutions. With the summer holidays coming to an end, the schools reopening and traffic getting worse, it is time to refocus. So this year, why not seize the opportunity and make, if not 'New Year' resolutions, then 'New You' resolutions.

How often do you ask yourself 'what do I want?' Answering this simple question is the starting point to any new resolution or goal-setting exercise. The simplest way to determine what you want is to make a list. But not any list. Push yourself to think outside the box. An effective way of doing this is to compile a lengthy list containing everything you want to do or achieve during your lifetime. Leave your adult sensibilities to one side and write the numbers from 1 to 75 down the side of a page and start answering the question 'What do I want?' over and over again.

It will be a challenge, because we are not used to taking time out and assessing the reality of our lives. Persevere with the list, as it is only when you get the usual stuff that floats around your head out of the way, that the real gems of ideas will flow. Also write your list whilst standing, as sitting over a desk is not the ideal state to be in when you want to tap into your creativity.

If writing out 75 answers to the question 'what do I want?' seems just too daunting, then you can break it down. For the first 25, list the things you would like to do during your lifetime. Perhaps it is to fly a helicopter or visit Egypt, or start your own business. For the next 25, list the things you would like to have in your life. Maybe it is a new car, a holiday home or a greater level of fitness.

Lastly, imagine yourself at your 100th birthday party, looking back on your life and getting great satisfaction from the memories of having lived a truly fulfilled life. Now list 25 things that enabled you to live that charmed life. What would you like your memories to be? Perhaps you would include spending quality time with family, contributing time and energy to a worthy cause, or investing in your health.

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