Gung Hay Fat Choy!

The Chinese New Year begins today, and being a festive holiday, I thought it appropriate to honor the occasion. Today begins the year of the rabbit, the fourth sign of the Chinese zodiac. Some of the characteristics of rabbits are gentle, affectionate, and family-oriented.

The Chinese zodiac signs repeat every twelve years, so we haven't had a year of the rabbit since 1999. (Interested in more information on the history and traditions of Chinese New Year? Follow this link.)

If you're prone to celebrate holidays, one of great things about the timing of this one is that if you feel you didn't get it right on January 1, you have a chance to start again.

We're already one month into 2011, so stop, take a breath, and assess where things stand. Has your year launched the way that you wanted? Are you on track with fulfilling your goals? Are you implementing the things you committed to?

If you're not where you want to be, commit to start fresh and move forward.

It's important for you to have clarity about your priorities; then let them guide your actions. If something resides high on your priority list but you always avoid doing it, reconsider why it's a priority and whether it even belongs on your list.

Recently I've reviewed and brainstormed 2011 goals with several clients, and one of the themes that I've noticed is "positioning." People are committed to positioning in a different manner this year, in that they want to ride the wave of the recovery and use that momentum to help them stand out in their various industries.

So on that note, Gung Hay Fat Choy, or "Best wishes and congratulations...have a prosperous and good year."