I have always liked the start of something new – a new project, a new book, and yes, a new year. A New Year is a new beginning, and an opportunity for all of us to make a fresh start.

At the beginning of each year, we have a tradition in my family of taking time to pause and reflect on what we accomplished the year before, and to set goals for the year ahead. This time we asked each other three simple questions:

These are important questions to reflect on. After all, how can we change if we don’t first know what it is we want to change? Our family agreed on wanting to have more fun together and less worry. After all of the holiday parties I’m sure you can relate to this one: more exercise and less sweets. From these thoughts we developed individual and family goals which varied from keeping a daily budget to finding a new job; starting yoga to qualifying for the Boston marathon.

I appreciate the “just right” question which asks us what we want to stay the same. Sometimes this may be the question to start with as we often take for granted the many things going well in our lives. I am grateful for the time I get to spend with my spouse, at my job, and chasing after those crazy kids. Our daughter stated she wanted her values to stay the same with every decision. (Yes! Keep up the coaching parents- it does pay off.)

So what about you? Take time to reflect on and then write down what you want more of, less of, and what should stay the same. Then use this list to set goals with your first steps of action. Share with someone who can help hold you accountable. And find ways to celebrate the wins.

A New Year is a new beginning and a great time for a fresh start. Make 2019 your best year yet!