3 strategies to start the new year off the right way

1. Write down your unfinished goals

First, take the time to write down all of the things you planned to accomplish last year that you maybe missed the mark on. It's nothing to be ashamed of, we all have things that we plan to do — whether it's losing weight, investing our money, getting a new job, or getting that raise — that we might not have fully accomplished. Be honest with yourself about this.

Start the new year off without regrets about goals you didn't accomplish last year. Instead, turn your attention to accomplishments and build on those in the year to come. (Photo: iStock)

When you have both lists in front of you, a few things will happen:

First, you are going to see the ways in which you have room to improve for the upcoming year. You may even feel a sense of renewed energy to create plans for how to better approach those unfinished goals.

While examining your list of unfinished business, it's very important that you do not see it as your failures, but rather as all the chances you now have in this upcoming year to continue improving, to continue working hard and to put forth your maximum amount of effort toward achieving your big overarching goals.

As you look at your list of things you have accomplished, you will feel an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment as you acknowledge all of your successes. Take a moment to let all of your effort, dedication and achievement sink in.

This process of facing the reality of this past year, paired with the excitement of all you have accomplished, will provide a true sense of closure for the past year. This process of self-reflection is critical to your ongoing success in the year to come.

3. Turn your attention to 2017

Resolve to accept the areas you fell short and rededicate yourself to leaving behind any feelings of regret. Turn your attention to the pattern of accomplishment you've created in the other areas of your life, and set an intention for the new year to continue on that path.

Sign up for The Lead and get a new tip in your inbox every day! More tips: