As the Christmas decorations begin to find their way to a small gathering on the dining room table, the excitement of beginning a new year with all of its hope and promise builds. What will the New Year bring? Will this be the year to finally conquer a life long challenge? What new friends, new opportunities and new challenges will be met along the path?

One of the biggest obstacles to seizing the momentum of a new year is the tendency to focus on the past. No doubt there are many things we each thought we would do, or not do, in 2008. Regrets can creep in and steal the joy and hope of the season if we let them. This week’s suggestions focus on a fresh beginning to 2009. Hopefully, if followed, they will help us all start anew with more energy, focus and optimism.

• Clean it up. Change every filter, rotate every mattress, wipe every baseboard and freshen every room with clean linens and accessories while packing away holiday decorations. This process actually takes less time than you might think and makes a terrific mental and physical transition for the turning of the calendar.

• Clear it out. Take an hour or so per bedroom and go through the closets and dresser drawers, eliminating anything that has passed its prime. A few quality items with room to move on the closet rod are far better than a cramped wardrobe that is abundant but worn out and outdated.

• Write it down. Jot down all of the projects around the house that were begun in 2008. Place a check mark beside those that are finished. Highlight those that would take less than a day to complete. Pick a weekend for the highlighted list and get those projects finished. Nothing is more taxing than seeing constant reminders of half-way jobs. Save the longer projects for next year’s goal setting.

• Let it go. Pull out your goal list from 2008. As you read it over, give yourself permission to let go of the things that didn’t quite turn out as you had hoped. Remember that goals are not the same as requirements. They are things to strive for, but they are also things that might never be fully attained.

• Make a box. Go around the house and collect all of the remnants of 2008 that will be needed in the New Year. Look for things like tax-related receipts, bills, and other items that will help you plan or complete future tasks.

• Resolve anew. Look forward with a fresh perspective and an assurance that the past is behind and the future is yours to fill. With that mindset, begin this year’s list of goals, hopes and dreams. Think of every aspect of your life and determine what you can do to move toward a brighter and better 2009.