For most of us, a brand new year means brand new beginnings. It means starting with a clean slate and focusing on having the best year ever. But having the best year ever means that we have to do much more than just make New Year’s Resolutions. To make the most of the coming year takes planning and commitment!

Develop a Daily Spiritual Practice

A daily spiritual practice is vitally important to our well-being, no matter our religious preference (or lack thereof). Journaling, meditation, prayer and even exercise help put us into a more relaxed and receptive state of mind. It helps put us in touch with who we really are and keeps us inspired and connected to our source. Ten minutes to thirty minutes a day is vital to our emotional and spiritual well-being.

Write It Down, Write It Down, Write It Down

We all love to fantasize about our goals; the places we’d like to visit, the weight we’d like to loose, exercise programs we’d like to start, or even schooling we’d like to finish. The trouble with fantasizing about our goals is that they never actually become goals, but remain instead in the realm of fantasy. To actually make something a goal, we have to write it down. We have to write down every aspect of our goal, and then focus on it and read and re-read it daily. If you were planning a wedding, you wouldn’t just fantasize about it, would you? Absolutely not! You’d make a list of everything you could possibly need from photographers and bakeries to rental halls, limousines and wedding dresses. You would leave nothing to chance. So, when focusing on your goals leave nothing to chance! Keep a notebook with you that contains a list of your goals. Take time to read it everyday, and have it handy in case you need to write down an inspiration or idea that pops into your head suddenly.

Give Up Complaining

I know it sounds like a small thing, but you’d be surprised at how constant complaining can detract from your life. Remember, we want to focus on only the things we want. Complaining puts our focus on the things we don’t want. And you may think you don’t complain, but everyone does. It’s an epidemic. Pay attention to the things you say. The next time a car cuts you off in traffic, instead of muttering under your breath about what a jerk (or worse) they are, just take a deep breath and let it go.

Keep Good Company

This can be one of the toughest things to do out of this whole list. But we all know someone who is not good for us. They may be overly critical of our endeavors or accomplishments. Or maybe we find that when we are in their company we are more likely to complain and gossip. Whatever the case may be, we need to surround ourselves with people who make us feel good about who we are and don’t drain us of our valuable energy. Friends and family who are supportive and positive help us to be more supportive and positive too.

Having the best year ever means getting ourselves off of autopilot and living, really living, our lives. By following these simple guidelines we can live authentically, accomplish our goals and truly have the best year ever.