December is the time of year when I take some time to think about the future.

Another year is around the corner and with a new year comes new hopes and dreams, new goals and new possibilities but only if we use our talents to make them happen and only if we believe they can happen. This is the power of positive thinking.

Long ago when I was young and struggling I read books to lift my spirits, to teach me what others did to go forward and achieve. If they could do it, I could do it I rationalized. So I tried really hard and I made progress. I got a college degree (took ten years) and I got a real estate license (the first year –1975 – I sold a million dollars worth of property when houses averaged forty thousand and a million meant something).

I set goals. I planned strategy. I prayed. The road to success was full of struggles.

Now many years later I am still asking…..

What are some of the things that I would like to accomplish in 2013?

Another year of good health. I really appreciate the fact that I am still in reasonably good shape compared to many of my friends. I continue to work on this as part of my overall plan to stay active. In the last few years I have lost some weight and improved my diet and exercise. Sounds simple but it has some good results.

The opportunity to give back to my community. I try to find volunteer opportunities where I can contribute which makes me feel useful and part of my community. This serves to satisfy my self-esteem and reminds me that we must give as well as receive.

I want to work toward world peace. Do I want to contribute financially to organizations who do things on a national or international scale or can I find ways to do things locally? Whatever I choose, I want to take steps toward a world that is safe for all.

I usually have some family wishes – like spending more time with grandchildren or helping an elderly relative. There is always something we can do for our own.

I try to make my choices realistic and achievable. I write them down and keep my list nearby. I limit it to no more than 10 items initially and whittle it down to 5 or less. Chances you will accomplish more if you focus on fewer things. I mull about my goals for awhile before I finalize my decisions.

When 2013 comes along, I hope to be headed down the right path. I want to be working toward the things that mean something to me. Life is a journey and with each step we get closer to our goals as well as closer to our demise. We need not waste time. No one knows when their time is up. There are people who have achieved so much by the time they are 40 and some who never achieve very much at all. Making New Year’s Resolutions may help you get there…..wherever there is. Good luck!