Why not take some time this year during the quiet days after Christmas to identify what you really want to achieve in 2008? Make it real, concrete, achievable and imagine what it will be like this time next year knowing you have achieved these goals. Use the following points as a way to get ready for a brilliant 2008.

1.Acknowledge the previous year’s achievements: So few of us take the time to acknowledge and amaze ourselves at how much we have done over the previous 12 months. Take the time to write down what you are proud of, how you have grown, what you have learned, and then read it over. Surprise yourself!

2.Fewer Goals: Only choose 3-5 goals at the most. If you feel as though there are so many areas of your life where you want to set goals, fine. You can focus on the other areas next year. Choose 3-5 areas where you want to set goals. This is setting yourself up for success.

3.Make it specific: It’s not much good saying you want to lose weight. If you lost one pound over the year, you have met that goal! No, make it specific (e.g., I want to lose 15 lbs and add a deadline.

4.Benefits of achieving this goal: You need to write down at least three benefits of achieving this goal. Keep it near you so that when you falter, this will keep you going.

5.Failure is not an option. It’s inevitable. A Japanese proverb says: “Fall down seven times; stand up eight times." Of course you are going to slip, make mistakes and not always do what you want. Accept that as the reality. Then, ask yourself how you are going to get back on track. Don’t waste time on beating yourself up, it’s pointless, and will not get you to your goal any quicker.

6.Write them down, write them down, write them down. Oh, did I mention the importance of writing your goals down? Use a computer file or buy a small hardback journal (they have some great ones in Borders for under $6.00) and write down your goals in it. Make sure you see them every day.

7.Acknowledge progress. If you have a dream to move to another part of the country, salute every little step you take. Acknowledge the calls you have made, the jobs you have applied for. They are all bringing you closer and the Universe has an amazing way of opening doors and opportunities as you salute your own effort.

8.Create sustainable environments: If you are planning to make sustainable long-term changes in your life, you will need to change some of your environments. This might include your job, where you live, how you manage your money. It could include working on ways to change your belief systems. You may need to begin mixing with people who support your goals rather than those people who love misery.

9.Find a goal bigger than yourself: As I am sure you are aware it can be so much easier to do things on behalf of others rather than for ourselves. Try and link your goal to something bigger than just you. For example, if you want to get a better job, consider how you will serve others better as a result of this job--not just how to make more money (although that should not be ignored!)

10.Best year yet: An excellent resource for working on making this your “best year yet" is a book called (amazingly enough) Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler. It only takes about three hours to work through, but you end up with an excellent plan for your new year.