The countdown clock is rapidly approaching a new year. I like to get the gears moving on next years big projects a month or two before that new year actually begins. It is going to be a lot easier for you to meet 2007′s goals if you are already working on them right now.

Last year, in 2005, I got the ball rolling for a big project in November, a strike of luck right before Christmas meant I was on the ground running by the new year. This year I had my 2007 financial goals set by September. Good news, I am already well on my way there.

Mapping out your goals based on years and dates may seem small-minded or arbitrary. I think it simply reminds us that we don’t have forever to accomplish what we want.