In just a few short weeks, another year will begin. It’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions. Do any of these resolutions sound familiar? “I will lose weight.” “I will exercise more.” “I will save more money.” “I will leave this dead end job and start my own business.” “I will look for more opportunities to volunteer for worthy causes.”

Here is my New Year’s resolution. I will not make New Year’s resolutions! Instead, I have a few specific, realistic, attainable, and measurable goals for my life and my business. These goals are set in several areas – financial, health, business, family/social, personal development, spiritual, and fun/recreation. Be aware of where you are currently in each of these areas and decide where you want to be in 30 days, one year, three years, and five years.

How can you improve your chances for success this year? Here are five tips that will help you end 2010 with a better business and a better life:

1. Set aside a few hours in the next three days and write down your goals. Just get it done. There is no other way to get the clarity and focus needed to reach your goals other than simply doing the work and putting in the time. Don’t procrastinate on this because you think you are not clear enough on what you want. It is important to be clear on what you want but it is more important to just get started. Remember your goals are not set in stone. They can change or be adjusted as your business and your life changes.

2. Writing down your goals will dramatically increase your chances of success. Write your goals on 3 x 5 index cards that you can keep on your desk within easy reach so you can review them every day first thing in the morning. For each goal, also write down the steps you must take to reach your goal. Write down any hurdles or challenges you may have to overcome to attain your goal.

3. Have a strong “why” for attaining your goal. Having a strong “why” will give you the determination and perseverance you will need to reach your goal in addition to giving you more focus. Ask yourself what drives you. What makes you get up in the morning? It is very important to determine your motivation for achieving a specific goal.

4. Don’t set yourself up for failure before you even get started. Make sure the goals you are setting are realistic and attainable. This is not to say you shouldn’t dream big but at the same time make sure this is something you will do and something you can do.

5. Set a specific and realistic date for accomplishing your goal. Without a specific date, it is highly unlikely you will ever reach your goal.

Is where you are now where you thought you would be at the beginning of this year? Will you end 2010 with regret because you didn’t accomplish what you set out to do at the beginning of the year or will you make the decision now to make a change? It’s time to start living your life on purpose. Write down your goals and start taking steps today to reach them. Align your goals with you core values, core beliefs, and passion. Visualize yourself at the end of 2010 with a feeling of success, accomplishment, and elation. Have fun, relax, and enjoy the journey.