The new year can bring to each of us a new opportunity, a reason to start fresh. As one year closes and another begins, I find it extremely useful to write down and set new goals and review old ones. When you set new goals, what kind of mindset will you face them with? Mightbe the goal you're setting is one you've set before and failed to meet. Is this any reason to give up? Of course not. Let's try changing the mindset with which we approach these goals.

First, make sure you write down your goals. Research has proven that goals are more easily reached if written down. Once this goal is written down, I would encourage you to reread it to yourself not once, but five times every morning.

This will demand that you take ownership of your goal. Once you own this goal, you and only you are responsible for reaching it. Without true ownership, I find it all too easy to find an excuse, and before you know it, you might have excused your way right out of any chance at success. Take pride in and responsibility for everything you do.

Second, write down how you're going to feel after you reach this goal and what you will do once you have reached it. For example, your goal might be to lose a substantial amount of weight. How will you feel once you do this, and what kind of new activities will you be able to do?

As a result of reaching your weight loss goal, mightbe you can lead the family on a hike this year or join some friends for a skiing trip. By visualizing the results and how you'll feel, you are building value into your goal.

If your goal is to stop smoking or anything else, you must write down why you're doing this and how you'll feel when you reach your goal, or your results might be the same as past failures.

Third, you must only speak in terms of advancement and success. Avoid words like "I hope, I'm just not sure, it would be nice, if only this were easier." Instead, use commanding words like, "I will, I know, it's going to be great." Remember that things might seem challenging at times, but you ultimately can create what you want. Stay positive and command yourself to believe in the realization of reaching your goals.

Finally, you must apply effort and practice patience. In regards to fitness goals, it's of utmost importance that you practice these traits. The new fad diet or weight loss shake shouldn't be for you. When you apply effort to something, you will grow and learn from it. Exiting with each drop of sweat is weakness, fear, uncertainty and loads of other unhealthy characteristics.

If financial freedom is what you desire, don't put your hope on hitting the lottery. Believe in the lasting rewards of hard work and sound financial stewardship.

You are a champion, someone who can see his or her dreams, and you will valiantly reach for your vision creating what you want from life. With the mindset of a champion, make the next year the best year of your life. The best is yet to be.

Troy Fontana is the owner of Fontana Fitness in Sparks. Contact him at 331-6918 or by e-mail at getfit@fontanafitness.com