January 1st is not just another regular day, but it is a symbol.  It represent second chances and fresh starts and learning curves.  As a kid, I didn’t understand that.  Now I see each start to a new year as an opportunity.  It was at this time of year that I conceived of the idea for ListPlanIt.  That beginning kicked off a new chapter for me and for my family.

I want to celebrate – not just the mere fact of a calendar change – but a change in attitude and perspective.  I want to hang on to this feeling of new beginnings and power.  Ruts are for the powerless and we are paving a new way!  Here are some ways that I choose to celebrate this new year.

• Analyze the areas of life that could use some improvement and/or growth and then create attainable goals.  Here are some areas of my life that I would likely choose:  business, family, friends, home, finances, fun/travel, and personal (diet/exercise). {more about these goals in upcoming posts}
• Complete something old.  Don’t carry over your entire To Do List from the previous year.  That is a depressing way to start fresh.  Vow to hammer out one thing that has been hanging over your head this month and check it off your list!

• Try something new.  In 2009 you may have been scared to fly or you didn’t have a chance to start a book club or you never got around to training for a 5K , but guess what?  It’s a new year and a new you!  You only live once – make it count!!

• Create accountability.  Form a group of friends where you tell each other your goals every day/week/month.  Some people have told me that they have begun to use Facebook this way.  They announce to the world that they are going to exercise and then they have more motivation to carry through.
• Get your family involved.  When you sit down together to create family goals, do some serious brainstorming.  Learn about each other’s driving forces and what might be able to learn from one another.
• Give more.  Make a goal to perform 2 charitable acts a day or week or month. Giving, whether it be your time, money, or attention, is truly effective as a way to add meaning and value to your life.

In what ways are you celebrating the new year?