A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post titled the Ten Great Happenings from Last Year and I briefly mentioned that this past year was unique because it wraps up the first decade in the new millennium. That realization got me to think about the ups and downs that have occurred in the past ten years. Upon that reflection no matter how bad things seemed at times (Y2K, 911, brother passing away, father passing away, stock market crash 1, housing bust, and stock market crash 2) I still have way more positive things that have occurred that outweigh the negative. Trust me, I have had my dark moments. My brother and father passing away was the hardest thing I have ever had to endure but my faith and my attitude has always helped me when times get tough. I am very blessed to have those strengths within me, and I know for some of you it is not always easy to believe or stay positive. However, if there is one thing that you need to start working on is having the right attitude! So, start off the next decade with the right attitude. Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to start planning your next ten years.

The first thing you need to do is start a “Life List.” Several years ago I came across an article that mentioned a guy by the name of John Goddard. John at the age of fifteen created a list of 127 goals he wanted to achieve in his life. What an inspiration to us all.

The second thing you must do is find your purpose in life. When I was young I never thought about that and had I at least put those thoughts into my head earlier in my life I would have had an easier time with the path I have carved out for myself.

The final thing that you need to do is to act. So many years all I did was read and think about how I wanted to be a successful business person. It wasn’t until the death of my father that I realized I needed to start doing the things I have dreamed about doing all these years.

So, as the next decade approaches make sure you start off strong by implementing these simple tips into your planning process. The past is the past and whether or not it was a bad ten years or a great ten years the next decade can be what you want it to be by using these three tips. I wish you a Happy New Year and a Happy New Decade!!