Today, the first day of the year and the first day of the rest of your life, offers a clean slate. It is a chance to accomplish what matters, make a positive change, and bring a dream closer.

Yesterday is history. Today is a fresh beginning. It is a good day to set a goal and commit to achieve it. If you are breaking a habit or reaching for a change, gather the resources that will help you stay steady.

Reflect. Think it through. Come up with a plan.

For example, to quit smoking, decide what support you will tap, what method you will use, and how you will meet cravings when they show up.

Yes, make a plan. With keen desire, commit to it, and you are on your way. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Believe you can and you are halfway there.”

Next, implement the resolution. Do the things that will bring about the change, again and again, until the steps become routine. Stand firm, move forward, and return to the plan when you wobble.

“A goal properly set is halfway reached,” said President Abraham Lincoln. Push toward the goal, and help others get there, too. There is strength in numbers, and mentoring works.

Your desire will awaken the great slumbering power within you. It’s a new year. Take a chance. You can do anything. As the ancient Greek philosopher Homer taught, “Wise to resolve, and patient to perform.”