BELIEFS can be difficult to identify as we live with them and they seem like part of who we are; and ths is so - but, if they are undermining your true choices in life and not helping you to create the life you want, you may want to change them.

STEP ONE:  identify the belief e.g. 'Life is hard.'

STEP TWO: identify how you want your lfe to be. What would you need to believe about the world and about yourself in order for that to be so?

STEP THREE:  begin to act as if this belief is true. Notice what happens in your life to support this. Make lists of how the truth of this belief manifests.

STEP FOUR: what will support you in maintaining this belief e.g. saying 'no' to others more often and saying 'yes' to yourself.

STEP FIVE: enjoy the journey!

1.  Identify your values and work on bringing more of the important ones into your life. Do you want more kindness or appreciation? Then make sure you manifest these yourself as well as spending little or no time with those who do not give you this and attracting into your life those who do. Do you want more Peace? Then do whatever it takes to create peace within yourself (it always starts within); spend time in a peaceful environment, in nature and with people who are at peace with themselves. These are some ideas.

2.  Don't waste time focussing on the problems. As you know, what we focus on, put energy into, manifests. So, regularly, a few times a day, spend even a few seconds using your imagination to create in your mind's eye what your ideal world looks like; feel it, smell it, hear it, be there.

3. For difficult times, have on tap some lovely memories or experiences which you can easily tune into so that you can recall these and lift your energy. It is not possible to manifest what you want from a down place inside yourself. It is not wrong to be down but it's good to have tools to change it.

4. If you do not like the way someone else is treating you, bless them and remember the good things they have done; ask them for what you want; act and speak in support of your values.

5.  Always, always think well of yourself and know your worthiness and your right to well-being; always hold yourself and others in compassion.

Is there something you need to say to somebody?

What is stopping you?  Fear of being rejected? Fear of not saying it clearly? Fear of the consequences?  This is a good time to re-connect with your values, what is important to you. Is it being liked at all costs or is it being true to yourself, being in integrity? Acting in alignment with your values  gives a feeling of satisfaction and well being. It means you are playing the part you came to play on the planet; doing this leads to consequences which are in tune with who you really are and provides further opportunities for acting in this way.

Is there something you need to stop doing?

Are there any habits in your life which no longer serve you? Perhaps being around certain people; perhaps buying certain things; maybe holding certain beliefs or thinking negative thoughts - substitute these with positive thoughts and beliefs in support of your 2009 goals; review how you are doing regularly so you don't slide back into old habits.

Is there someone you need to forgive?

Bearing grudges, not forgiving takes up a lot of energy. That person could be yourself. One thing that's certain about the past is that it is gone; start afresh. Forgiveness is about being spiritually intelligent - we can build a case against someone or we can let it go and be happy; our choice. It's best to use all the energy available to take steps towards important goals.

Is there something you need to begin?

If you are clear about your goals and your values, what is important to you, at any time you can take a small step towards what you want to create this year; everything begins with a thought and then a small step. Even if you have little time, you can make a 'symbolic gesture' towards a task you can complete later - for example, sticking the stamp on the envelope, writing the first paragraph. By doing this, you are directing your energy  into the future when you will pick up  this task, thus making it easier to do so. Begin now!