The New Year is around the corner. With the change in the calendar year comes the promise of things to come. What changes would you like to see in your life in 2008? Would you like to be richer in your relationships and your pocketbook? Thinner around the waistline? Wiser in your decision making? Anything is possible because 2008 is a clean slate for you to write on.

Here are three tips to get you started in the right direction, whether your goal is weight loss, learning to play the guitar, or opening a small business:

1. Surround yourself with people who are doing what you long to do. If you want to be healthier in the New Year, hang out with people who eat healthy food and exercise. You want to catch some of their good eating and exercise habits. Keep people in your circle of friends and acquaintances who are doing great things so you will never become complacent and you will strive for more. If you want to invest in the stock market, talk with successful people who are making money in stocks or read books written by those who are. Whatever your interest, find someone to help you, whether through books, audio CDs, how to websites, or a real live person. Have people and numerous influences in your life that push you to become better.

2. Commit to long term change. How many of us go to the gym religiously in January, just to slack off in February, and stop going all together in March? When you think about creating a new you, don't just think of entertaining a guest for a few weeks until the old you comes creeping back. That's one reason why fad diets don't work long term because once the diet is over, it's back to your old ways. What you really need to do is make some positive changes you can keep. Think of having a new you for life.

Here's an example. Pretend you have the terrible habit of calling your son stupid. As your New Year's resolution, you decide to stop calling him stupid. You'd want to stick with that choice for the rest of your life wouldn't you? When you see that you are doing something damaging, you want to stop and make a lasting change.

3. Ask God for help. When it comes to taking something old and making it new, no one does a better job than God. The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Ask Him to help you change your old habits and replace them with healthy ones. Some days you'll blow your diet, make an excuse about exercising, snap at your kids, and wonder, "Is there anything I'm doing right?" In that moment, call on God and ask Him for help.

The New Year is just around the corner, brimming with hope. Will you take this clean slate and dare to write a new story? One that features a new, happier, healthier you!

Today's Action Step: What is one thing you will do to create a new you in 2008?