At the beginning of a new year, one’s thoughts turn to the future. There are several potential ways of thinking at this time.

You can be pessimistic.

‘Everything went wrong last year – and perhaps the year before too – so I guess they will continue to go wrong again this coming year. I am not looking forward to this year particularly’

‘The pressure is on at work. The boss has set new targets which are going to be really tough to hit, so I guess it’s going to be late home from the office again – probably even later than last year. That’s not going to help my marriage/relationship or my kids, but what can I do? I’ve got to work to live, so there’s not much I can do about it.’

Or you can be resigned to it.

‘Last year wasn’t totally bad, I guess. I got through. I still have my job. I still have a marriage/ relationship. My kids are doing OK. There will be ups and downs, but hopefully they’ll at least balance out. Maybe there will be more ups than downs. Now that would be nice.’

Or you can be optimistic

‘Hey! Another new year. Great! Things will go well this year, I know it. Everything’s OK at work. Everything’s pretty OK at home/in my relationship. I’ve got enough money to get by, and with a bit of luck, I might be able to save enough this year for a new car/house/wife, or a trip’

Or you can be sure.

‘This will be a good year, I know. My objectives are set, and I know they will be achieved. I have a clear picture of where I am going to be by the end of the year, and I have a clear map of how I am going to get there. This year is going to be a great year.’

In which of the above categories are you at the beginning of the first full week of 2010?

And how about your New Year Resolutions? How many did you make, and how many are still alive? Based on the past, how many will still be alive at the end of January?

You can create your future. You do not have to be ‘buffeted by the winds of outrageous fortune’, as the poet said so vividly.

Through the first quarter of 2010, particularly, we shall be looking at how to gain control of your future by creating it, not being pushed around by it and having someone else pull your strings. We shall do it through this blog, or through face-to-face workshops at various places through Malaysia and Indonesia – and perhaps even further afield if the demand is there – if you prefer this sort of learning.

Think about how much you would like to create your future, and how much you would be prepared to invest in it. Then contact me at Bob@newbizideas4u, so we can work out how we can best meet your preference for the learning.

Contact me soon, so we can get under way.

Bob