In starting fresh for 2013 you may have made New Year’s Resolutions and set goals for yourself. There is nothing like the feeling of a fresh start. But now here it is February, and perhaps your enthusiasm is already beginning to wane, or maybe you’ve already abandoned some of your resolutions outright.

What you may not have considered is clearing out past experiences and beliefs that have not been serving you. What experiences, habits and negative thought patterns that do not support you in a constructive manner are you willing to let go of? Making a list of what you don’t want in your life can be an effective way of getting clear about what is holding you back.

Identifying what you don’t want helps you realize that these things and experiences are in your life because on some level you have attracted them to you. The attraction happens as a result of the beliefs you hold about yourself, either consciously or unconsciously. This is the Law of Cause and Effect. If you want to know what is going on in your mind, look at your life. What is it that you desire to change?

Once you have made your list of what you don’t want, the next step is to find something to be grateful for in that experience. Perhaps you were in debt and the circumstances forced you to become responsible with your money. Finding gratitude for the experience opens you to finding the gift of learning and expand your awareness that you no longer need this in your life, making it easier to let go.

Another important step is forgiveness -for giving new life to yourself. In forgiving yourself for what was deconstructive in your life, such as a past relationship, debt, an unhealthy friendship or addiction, you are wiping the slate clean and affirming for yourself that you are no longer bound by the past. You are consciously making space for your new vision and goals. A wonderful tool to support you in finding forgiveness for yourself, others or a situation is the Radical Forgiveness Worksheet.  

Now you can direct your thoughts constructively to support you in achieving your goals and creating new empowering beliefs. This is done through focusing your mind on what you desire for your life, affirming consistently your infinite potential within, and taking daily action steps. The self-evident fact is that when you change your beliefs to ones that are supportive, loving and constructive, you change your life for the better and will be more likely to manifest your goals for 2013.

Helen Valleau has been the Supervising Teacher at the Hoffman Institute of Canada for the past 15 years. As a teacher, workshop leader and personal empowerment coach, she has inspired thousands of visions to come to life. She is the creator of A Year of Possibilities, a book and program filled with inspirational tools to help people achieve their dreams. Most recently, she published 100 Minutes of Inspiration, a collection of daily reminders that you have the power to change your life. To learn more about Helen’s work and how to create an authentic, powerful vision for your life, visit: www.ayearofpossibilities.com. Coming soon: a 30-day program of daily affirmations, lessons and meditations to create your life differently.