IN 2014: START SMART TO FINISH STRONG

There's truth in the old saying that, "Well begun is half-
done!" How we start a project determines, to a large
degree, how well we finish. Whether it's fear, confusion,
hesitation, a lack of resources or whatever, starting badly
robs us of momentum and excitement and undermines us all
along the way. Even if we eventually reach our goal, too
often it's with a reduced level of satisfaction and poor
over-all performance.
"Well begun is half-done!"
Today, I'm writing with specific reference to your goals
for the New Year. Even if that's a new idea for you,

I encourage you to "try it on"
and see if it works for you! Take the next few weeks to
review your successes and failures for 2013. Notice what
worked and what didn't. List the opportunities, challenges
and changes you want to make in 2014. Ponder them! Talk
them over with your partners and loved ones.
And by January 1st, have a clear list, a calendar and a
budget for 2014.
"Well begun is half-done!"
I encourage you to consider your priorities and
plans in these five areas:
1.  Start Smart: Income and Spending
Review your income and expenses this year. Any surprises?
Any frustrations? Any changes you want to make for next
year? What do want to earn in 2014 and how does that break
down by quarter, by month or even (in some cases) by the
week? What will you do with the money you earn? Will your
spending reflect your values and priorities?
2.  Start Smart: Business and Career
How did you do this year? Did you hit your goals, grow you
business or advance your career? What did you learn? What
do you need to learn next year? What will you expand or
duplicate? What needs to be changed or cancelled? What are
your Top 3 Opportunities in 2014? List them.
3.  Start Smart: Community and Relationships
Were your most important relationships rich and satisfying
in 2013? If so, how will you keep that momentum going in
2014? Or, if you are not satisfied, what will you change
(what will you Do Different!) in the new year? How about
your friends and extended family? Your community
involvement, circle of influence, and other contacts? What
do you want in 2014?
4.  Start Smart: Fitness, Health and Wellness
How well did you care for yourself in 2013? Are there
changes you should make in your weight, fitness, sleep or
nutritional habits? I'm not talking about fad diets or 30-
day make-overs. I'm asking if you are healthier now than 12
months ago. Your health and fitness are key assets for
achieving all your other goals. What do you want to see
when you step on the scale or visit your doctor a year from
now? Start Smart and finish stronger than you are today.
5  Start Smart: Spirituality and Personal Growth
This is a broad area, but who do you want to become and how
will you grow as a person in 2014? What do you believe
about the Big Questions in life, and how are your beliefs
expressed in daily life? What skills or habits do you want
to adopt in 2014? What do you want to eliminate or over-
come? What books should you read? What classes or
conferences will you attend? Start Smart to create a Brand
New You in 2014.
I've listed five broad areas to consider as you plan for
2014. You may have other areas, or you might want to break
some of them into your own sub-points. But whatever you
dream or desire, the new year gives you unlimited
opportunity to "make it so." Fifty-two weeks is a long
time. Three hundred and sixty-five brand new mornings is an
astonishing resource. Don't blow it!
Focus on the truth that "Well begun is half-done." What
will you achieve in 2014? Who will you become? What
miracles will you and your loved ones create in the New
Year? Define your outcomes, develop clear and measurable
plans, and Start Smart! Habits and routines are powerful
things. They are so powerful that without concrete,
specific action the future tends to look an awful lot like
the past, only more so. Do not let that happen!
Decide now that in 2014 you will Start Smart and Finish
Strong.