A friend of mine had her birthday the other day and was very reticent about broadcasting it. In fact, I didnt even know it was her birthday until we were drinking tea three hours after meeting up!

Isnt it funny how in your twenties and even thirties you relish your birthday, making sure everyone knows its coming up so they dont forget, and you dont mind telling people how old you are? Youre also fond of saying that when YOU get over forty youll still be very upfront about your age. Hmm!

Im probably whats known as middle-aged although of course I will deny it hotly as I dont feel THAT old, and will side step any question about my age unless cornered. However, one thing we are sure of, birthdays come round with alarming regularity and love them or hate them they are going to happen.

Ive always made a point of celebrating my birthday and looking upon it as a time for improvement. It used to be a good time to give up smoking (managed that about 16 years ago) or improve my appearance in some way. Since becoming a Coach, I use my wheel of life to see what can be improved in each area of my life, and have done things like decluttering my wardrobe and visiting a colour and style consultant, to giving more time and attention to my relationships.

At the moment, my focus is on redeveloping my Coaching business and working smarter, but with my birthday coming up in another couple of months Ill be looking forward to forming a new plan of action to keep me enthusiastic and motivated.

What does getting older mean to you? Is it a time of regret for youth gone by, or are you still brimming with energy, looking forward to the new challenges that another year will bring?

Regret is such an energy drain so why not try setting yourself a new challenge instead?