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Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Much like many other people, New Years Day is one of my favorite days of the year. I love the freshness that it introduces, the opportunity to reset the clock. While cynicism tends to reign as years wind down, optimism takes over on New Year Day and sticks around for a few weeks.

Over time, my New Years Day philosophy has evolved. I used to make resolutions, but it didn’t take long to realize that they are short-lived. I started making goals; instead of saying I’m going to do more of X or less of Y, I now say I’m going to accomplish Z. Then I just do what I have to do to accomplish it. Two years ago I resolved to work out more, but that was too wishy-washy. Last year I set the goal to work out 120 times in 2011, and I did 131 times. Setting goals works.

This year, I am taking it a step further. I have set new goals for 2012 (work out 150 times), but I am also deciding what I want the year to look like. At New Years, we are quick to judge the year gone by (it was a good one); I want to pre-judge the year ahead (it will be a great one).

We never truly know what’s in store for us, so we can’t accurately script the year ahead. But I am very excited to chart its course with a mixture of goals and attitude. I have a vision for where I want my life to go, I am determined to get there, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.

Decide what you want your year to look like next New Years, and make it happen. Carry the New Years optimism with you all year, and make the today’s hope your permanent reality.