By nature, the end of the year a reflective time during which we consider what went well and what went badly over the previous 11 months or so. At the same time there is often a sense of optimism over the coming year as we think about how great it is going to be and all of the many things that we are going to achieve.

The trouble is, so many of us decide on our goals (or resolutions) for the New Year only to fail within the first few months or even sooner. There are many reasons why this might happen, but for most of us it is often down to conviction, or a lack of it: we basically set the same goals every year without really considering the impacts that they will have on our wellbeing.

As 2008 appears to have been a bad year for so many of us, the goals which we make for the New Year will be of even greater significance. Below are a few tips which may help you when deciding on how to set your perfect goals for the New Year.

1. You’re thinking about the next 12 months

If there are a number of aspects in your life which need changing, the first thing to do is be realistic about what you can achieve during the space of a year. There is no point setting all these wonderful goals and spreading your ambition too thinly – when taking on too much you will always run the risk of achieving nothing.

You also need to be realistic about the nature of the goals which you set yourself for the New Year. We all have long term goals which we set ourselves over varying timeframes; however, you should remember that you are seeking to achieve these particular goals within the next 12 months.

So with this in mind, spend a while thinking about the key aspects of your life which you need to change. Then decide on between 2 and 4 goals which, if achieved, will have the greatest benefit. Setting 4 goals is always a good target as you can divide the year into quarters and aim to achieve a goal in each one.

2. Keep sight of your goals

The worst thing that you can do is decide on these fantastic life-changing goals only to put them at the back of your mind – or the bottom of your desk drawer – for the next 12 months. Your goals should always be crystal clear in your mind and easily accessible. Try writing them down on the inside page of your diary so that you can always reflect on them when you need to; when you achieve each goal you can then put a tick next to it or strike it off.

3. A positive attitude is the key

It is no coincidence that the most successful people in life and those who have overcome great adversities are those who have demonstrated a positive, can-do attitude to whatever they put their minds to. It is almost as though they radiate an infectious positive energy, and just listening to many business moguls talk about their success is uplifting in itself.

Positive thinking is the key, and when the clock strikes midnight on 1st January 2009 your whole attitude should be optimistic and forward thinking. Remember, this is a new start and whilst changes may not come overnight it will be your attitude and approach that will ultimately determine how far you will go.

Achieving your goals should be very important to you and therefore worth the stresses which you may endure in order to achieve them. Do not get disheartened too easily if things do not appear to go as planned. If your plan is not working then you can always sit down and rethink it – maybe a goal which you aimed to achieve in the first 3 months will actually take you 6. With this in mind, always remember that the best things in life are often those which you work hardest to achieve.

.... And if you have already decided on your goals for the New Year then why wait? Put yourself in a good frame of mind now and you will hit the ground running once your hangover wears off at some point on New Years Day ;)

All the best for 2009.

© Kapo80, December 2008