Got dreams? Spring is a time that’s fairly crackling with possibilities for forging ahead. But how can you effectively harness all that energy, and turn it into actions that really move you forward?

I say have a "Clean Start Planning Retreat." This is a technique I've been using for several years that really helps focus and ground your actions. And even though it may be brown and muddy outside (if you’re in New England) ... you can still rise up and harness the abundant energy in the rebirth of spring.

1. Schedule two full days in which you can do something just for you.

Begin by scheduling in at least two full days sometime before spring really kicks in that you can designate "Clean Start Days." You can schedule them together, or separately. Saturdays can work well for this. (If you tend to be a guilty parent, use this as a chance for someone else who loves your kids to spend the day with them.)

2. Record your results for the last year or quarter.

Day One is dedicated to assessing what progress you’ve made on your dreams. It may be that you’re just beginning your dream, and have few or possibly no ‘tangible’ records of progress yet. Take a look through journals, and notebooks from classes or programs.

On the other hand, you may be launching a business, or just starting to sell your work. If so through ledgers, stat reports on web sites, check book registers, receipt piles, Quicken files, sent email files, even phone bills. Compare what you unearth to any goals you made for the last year. It doesn’t matter how much time you span –- use your intuition on which parameters to use...

>>> Continue Reading "Spring Cleaning for Your Dreams"

© Copyright Suzanne Falter-Barns. This article was originally published at our website, SoulfulLiving.com, in April 2005, as part of Soulful Living's "Spring Cleaning" Issue.

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