We have a habit of focusing on resolutions every New Year – focusing on fixing things we think we’ve been doing wrong or trying to be better than we have in the past. If you’re like most of us, these resolves shortly get left behind as quickly as the confetti and noisemakers that heralded midnight. Well, this year, how about doing something different.

How about making one of your dreams come true.

It could be a small dream, like learning how to paint with watercolors, or quilt like your grandmother did. Or maybe quite a big dream, like finishing college or buying a home of your own.

It could be taking a trip – back home to the place where you grew up or to Europe or Japan, or Disneyland or New York City. Maybe you’ve always wanted to take ballet lessons or learn another language. Maybe you’ve been afraid to try something new. Maybe you think you’re too old, too busy, not smart enough, not something enough. But, just maybe, you can do it. Maybe this is the year you can at least make a start. Here are some steps to begin.

Give yourself permission. It’s easy to support other people’s dreams, but sometimes it’s not as easy to support your own. Other things get in the way. Spouses, children, parents and other life responsibilities may make you think your dream is silly or not important. But if this dream has been around for a while, it is important. Let yourself strive for it.

Write your dream down. Studies have shown that people who write down their goals are much more likely to reach them. Just the act of putting your dream on paper makes it more real. Put it somewhere where you can see it every day.

Figure out what you need to do to start reaching your dream. You don’t have to plan the entire path out. But maybe you could lay out the first two or three steps. Once you have those completed, then take the time to figure out the next step, and the next. Before you know it, you will be on your way.

And there’s nothing better than heading down the path to a dream come true. Here’s wishing you a New Year filled with everything you dream of now and in the future.