It's the start of a new year.  How do you start the year off right?  One great way is to prepare for success.  Success means many things to many people.  At the end of the day it is the accomplishment of your dreams and goals. It takes effort on your part combined with confidence in yourself and a balanced approach to your life.

Start by checking up on last year.  Did you meet your goals?  If not, why not? Were they connected to your overall purpose or vision?  Take some time to evaluate your purpose.  What do you want to become...where do you want to go... what do you want to accomplish with your life, both professionally and in your personal life? 

If  you are clear about your purpose then what do you need to accomplish this year that will help you to fulfill your purpose?  Consider both short term goals, those you need to accomplish in the next one, three or six months, and long term goals, those that you need to accomplish in the next 12 to 24 months?

Check your Personal as well as Professional goals. Keep life in balance and avoid focusing on your weaknesses, unless they are holding you back.  Peter Drucker always emphasized that managers and people must focus on their strengths in order to maximize their performance.

Why set goals?  The famous American philosopher, Yogi Berra, said "If you don't know where you're going you'll probably end up someplace else."  Determine where you want to go, what you want to become or what you want to have and set goals that will help you to get there (them).  

Now, get busy and do what you must to accomplish your goals.  Make sure that your goals are yours, that they are written and that they are in harmony with who you are and with  your overall vision or purpose for your life.  And, have a great year!