As 2017 begins, we are reminded of the many excitements that thenew year brings — a fresh start and a renewal of our dedication toour goals.

Related: From pessimism to optimism: 3 keys to achievingsuccess in 2017

Many times we may forget to take the time to reflect on thepast year and to establish where we want the new year to takeus.

Today, I want to give you some strategies that you can use as weclose out 2016 to ensure you take full responsibility for the yearthat’s passed and move forward with renewed energy andcommitment to yourself and your goals.

1. Write down your unfinished goals

First, take the time to write down all of the things youplanned to accomplish last year that you maybe missed the mark on.It’s nothing to be ashamed of, we all have things that we plan todo — whether it’s losing weight, investing our money, getting a newjob, or getting that raise — that we might not have fullyaccomplished. Be honest with yourself about this.

Remember, in order to change anything in your life, you mustfirst take 100 percent responsibility for everything in it.

Then, list the reasons why you didn’t fully achieve the resultsyou intended for each of the things on your list. This will help intaking responsibility for the outcome.

2. Reflect on the goals you accomplished

After you have your list and reasons, make another list of allthat you did accomplish in the past year in all the different areasof your life. Write down even the smallest wins and the progressyou’ve made toward the bigger goals even if they aren’t fullyaccomplished yet.

Related: A fresh start

Maybe you cleaned out the clutter in your garage, taught yourchild how to ride their bike, or developed a new skill that isbringing you closer to your bigger goals. Twelve months is asignificant amount of time and each day in itself holds a smallvictory. It’s very likely that this list will be much longer thanthe one you previously made.

Start the new year off without regrets about goals youdidn't accomplish last year. Instead, turn your attention toaccomplishments and build on those in the year to come. (Photo:iStock)

When you have both lists in front of you, a few things willhappen:

First, you are going to see the ways in which you have room toimprove for the upcoming year. You may even feel a sense of renewedenergy to create plans for how to better approach those unfinishedgoals.

Related: I hereby resolve to approach 2017 with aplan

While examining your list of unfinished business, it’s veryimportant that you do not see it as your failures, but rather asall the chances you now have in this upcoming year to continueimproving, to continue working hard and to put forth your maximumamount of effort toward achieving your big overarching goals.

As you look at your list of things you have accomplished, youwill feel an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment as youacknowledge all of your successes. Take a moment to let all of youreffort, dedication and achievement sink in.

This process of facing the reality of this past year, pairedwith the excitement of all you have accomplished, will provide atrue sense of closure for the past year. This process ofself-reflection is critical to your ongoing success in the year tocome.

3. Turn your attention to 2017

Resolve to accept the areas you fell short and rededicateyourself to leaving behind any feelings of regret. Turn yourattention to the pattern of accomplishment you’ve created in theother areas of your life, and set an intention for the new year tocontinue on that path.