3 strategies to start the new year well

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Here is an updated version of a classic article that was first published on January 5, 2017.

When the year begins, they remind us of the many emotions that the new year brings: a new beginning and a renewal of our dedication to our goals.

Many times we can forget to take time to reflect on the past year and establish where we want the new year to take us.

Today I want to give you some strategies you can use to make sure you take full responsibility for last year and move forward with renewed energy and commitment to yourself and your goals.

1. Write down your pending goals.

First, take the time to write down all the things you plan to accomplish last year that you may have missed. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, we all have things we plan to do (whether it’s losing weight, investing money, getting a new job, or getting that increase) that we might not have achieved at all. Be honest with yourself about it.

Remember that in order to change anything in your life, you must first take 100% responsibility for everything there is.

Here are the reasons why you did not fully achieve the intended results for each of the items on the list. This will help you take responsibility for the outcome.

2. Reflect on the goals you have achieved.

After you have the list and the reasons, make another list of everything you achieved over the past year in all areas of your life. Write down even the smallest victories and the progress you have made toward the larger goals, even if they are not yet fully achieved.

Maybe you’ve cleaned up your garage layout, taught your child how to ride a bike, or developed a new skill that brings you closer to your bigger goals. Twelve months is a significant amount of time and each day itself has a small victory. This list is very likely to be much longer than the one you made earlier.

When you have both lists in front of you, a few things will happen:

First, you’ll see ways in which you have room for improvement for next year. You can even feel a sense of renewed energy to create plans on how to best address these unfinished goals.

While reviewing your to-do list, it’s very important that you don’t see it as a failure, but as all the chances you have now in the next year to keep improving, keep working hard, and present your maximum of effort to achieve your big overall goals.

When you look at your list of things you’ve accomplished, you’ll feel tremendous pride and success in recognizing all of your accomplishments. Take a moment to let go of all your effort, dedication and success.

This process of facing the reality of this past year, coupled with the excitement of all that you have achieved, will provide a true sense of closure over the past year. This process of self-reflection is critical to your continued success next year.

3. Focus your attention on the coming year.

Decide to accept the areas you have fallen short of and rededicate yourself to leaving behind any feelings of regret. Focus your attention on the pattern of success you have created in other areas of your life and set your intention for the new year to continue on that path.

Brian Tracy writes about personal and business success.