10 Tips For A Better Year, taken from thestars newspaper

Incorporate them in your activities and you will have an amazing year.

Make the most of the coming year by staying positive, and productive. Here are 10 tips on how to make 2010 a fulfilling year.

1. Set realistic goals
Many people make new year resolutions but do not fulfill them. make this year different. Write down your goals and be committed to achieving them. Ensure your goals are realistic. List your goals and stick it on your fridge where you can see them every day.

2. Focus on your health
This can be your greatest asset or your greatest liability. Make an appointment for a check-up with your doctor, implement an exercise programme if you don't have one, take vitamins if you need to and resolve kick unhealthy habits like smoking.

3. Invest in your development
I recently read that people who spend a thousand dollars or more on their personal development will increase their business by 20 percent. Read books, attend workshops, find a new network, listen to tapes of CDs in your car, take up online courses or enroll at a university or learning centre. Keep your brain active.

4. Know your priorities
After you have set your goals, you can begin to focus on what is important to you - family, self-development, profitability, buliding your profile, health, gaining new clients or more relaxation time.
Priotising will help you focus on how to spend your time.

5. Eliminate time robbers
Make a list of the things that rob you of your time. For example, are you watching too much TV, running unprodcutive errands, checking your e-mails too often or having long phone calls? Can you use long waiting times more effectively?
Focus on controlling your time and get rid of the things in your life that are not a high priority.

6.Surround yourself with VIPs
Find very inspiring people (VIP) whom you can learn from, bounce ideas with and spend time with. Minimise your time with the very draining people (VDP) in your life. You will feel more positive when you are surrounded by VIPs.

7. Make time for those you care for
Balancing work and home life is a challenge for most people. Be focused on those you love and do not forget to remind them how much they mean to you. Promise yourself that you will no take anyone for granted this year. For instance, each day you can tell on eperson that he or she is special.

8. Plan your next holiday
Allocate a specific time in your calendar for your enxt holiday so you have something to look forward to.

9. Create an 'attitude" to do-list
Instead of making "to-do"lists for work, consider creating an "attitude" to-do list you can use every day.
My list includes the following :

1. Send a thank-you note
2. Sit in the sun for 15minutes
3. Find something funny
4. Get some exercise and
5. Choose to be positive

So, what is your list?

10. Choose to be amazing
Make a commitment to yourself each morning that you will have an amazing day. This might include trying some of these tips like reading your "attitude" to-do list, focusing on your health, eliminating time robbers, or finding more VIPs in your life. remember life is not a dress rehearsal-you only get one performance, so give it yiour best.