As the new year begins, it pays to start off with a bang and get ahead.  Then, because the year is like a marathon and not a sprint, settle in with a pace that you can maintain throughout the year, until it’s time to finish strong as you pour it on near the end to accomplish even more than you set out to at the beginning.

The race is on, as long as you are still breathing, you’re in it.  The years just help us organize and categorize what we are doing, but in actuality, the race never stops.  We must keep at it all the time, and continue to be better, do more, and become better throughout our lives.  In reality, the race is always on, so you better be running and not sitting on the sidelines letting everyone and everything pass you by.

If you haven’t set your goals for the coming year, do it now!  The best time to do just about anything is NOW.  Setting your goals down on paper is like getting on your mark.  You prepare for what you want to accomplish, and make a plan to get you there.  Having definitive goals for the year is like setting the finishing line to your race.  (Yes, I know I said the race is always on, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have finish lines along the way, and once you pass them, you head for the next.)

Once you have goals on paper and a plan, you have to get set.  Get the items or information you need to get started toward your objective.  If you need information, it is available, head to your local library or book store, search on line, talk to someone who has already done it (or at least make an appointment to talk).  Your plan should include what you will need to succeed, and now it is time to get set for success.

Go!  Get started!  Do it now!  You can’t wait for the perfect time, it will never come.  You must get at it right now and start fast.  The momentum will carry you through and build upon itself.  Even if you don’t know everything, get started on what you do know.  The rest will work itself out, and you can continuously modify your plan to achieve your goal as you go along and discover areas that need modification or additions.

Life is a race to be in, not to watch.  So- On Your Mark, Get Set, Goal!