Reflect on the past

If you want to have a great life, take the time to reflect upon and learn from the past. The end of the year is a great time to analyze how your year went. Did you accomplish any of your goals for the year?
How about spiritual goals? Did you grow in your relationship with the Lord? Were you involved in your church or other volunteer organizations? Did you memorize any new Bible verses or share the gospel with anyone this year?
How about family goals? Did you spend enough time with your spouse and your children? Did you go on any dates with your spouse? Did you take any vacations? Did you use your day off?
How about physical goals? Did you stay physically fit and eat right? Did you work out on a regular basis this year?
How about financial goals? Did you save any money this year? Did you get a raise?
How about intellectual goals? Did you take any college classes this year? How many books did you read?
All of these are good questions to ask of this past year. Even if you didn't complete many of your goals for the year, you can be thankful for the ones you did complete. One of my goals is to read 52 books for the year. I don't know if I have ever met this goal. But I am thankful for the approximately 30 I did read.
Even if you didn't write down goals for 2007, take some time to reflect upon your year. Spend an hour or two writing down the positive things about the year, no matter how small or big, and also write down your "learning experiences." Then plan on setting some goals for 2008. More on that later.
If you want to have a great life, reflect on the past.