No matter how busy you are, try to find some time over the next two weeks to reflect, think, give and plan.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the ideal time for this. Try to slow things down. Spend time with the ones you love and care about. Take some time to talk with your spouse and kids (if you are married) about goals and dreams for the year 2006. If you are not married, spend this period to work on your goals and dreams for year 2006.

Use this as a time to recharge your batteries, not just by watching TV the entire time, but to seriously and with excitement think about a handful of changes or additions you want for your life in 2006.

I believe you will find the act of reflecting, thinking, dreaming and planning (with your family) to be one of the most important exercises you can do that will positively impact the next 12 months.

And remember, do not neglect to commit yourself to set this time aside or you will find that the business of life can and will get in the way.

So let’s all take a moment to gather up the past year of victories and defeats, growing as well as those times of stagnation and use it to wipe a clean slate and thoughtfully design the next year the way we truly desire it to be.