It’s that time of year.

A time to reflect on the past year, and in this case, decade. A time to think about what worked and what didn’t; what relationships failed, which new ones were cultivated; a time to measure our progress in life, love and as human beings.

We have had successes, failures and things we wish were different. We’ve stored up things, memories, experiences and formed opinions, habits and values.

But, do we have the lives that we long for? Is what we’ve stored cluttering up our cache so to speak? Have we loaded the necessary components to ensure that life runs smoothly, with fewer crashes and errors?

How Is Your Configuration Working?

Sometimes we need a reboot of LIFE. We need to take a look at our overall system, and make the needed changes and upgrades; evaluate everything , delete what’s old, outdated and not working, then get familiar with and fully utilize all of the features that we have on our best programs. Finally, we need to shut it all down, regroup then fire it back up and start using what we have to it’s fullest potential and make sure that we’re getting most out of life.

Step 1: Evaluate Your System

Take a look at everything. Is your operating system outdated? What are the thoughts and habits you’ve developed over the years that shape your choices and actions? Is it working? Does it depress you or energize you? It may be time for you to shift to a new way of thinking and doing things. If your current way of thinking and doing is not getting you the results you want, it’s time to make some changes.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Strongest Features

Don’t throw out what’s already working for you. What are your strengths, and gifts? How can you leverage the things you do well to help you reach your best life? Make a list of all your good qualities, what you do well, what you love doing. Are you making the most of your strengths? It could be that you have some really great programs but just haven’t used them to their full potential. Resolve to showcase your strengths and talents more openly. It may mean getting a new job, taking up a new hobby or just giving yourself more fully to what you’re currently doing and giving it your best.

Step 3: Eliminate The Junk

It’s time to clear out the cache. Just like you would on your computer, you have to clear out the clutter to make sure that everything runs perfectly. Of all of the tasks, this is the one we avoid or forget. Regularly remove the thoughts, feelings, habits and yes, people that are slowing down your progress.

Step 4: Establish New Programs

It’s not enough to dump everything. If we don’t replace what isn’t working with something better we are still ineffective. Replace old thoughts with new affirmations; replace old habits with new routines. Keep a schedule, set some goals, and put deadlines in place. Use your new “stuff” regularly. Pay attention to your signals and know when your system is about to crash. Is energy, enthusiasm and productivity slowing down? It’s a good sign that it’s time to clear out and ReBoot.

Step 5: ReBoot and Execute

Any system crashes when it’s not cleared out and given a time to rest. Shut it all down periodically after you’ve cleaned out everything that’s not working and give things a rest. Daily is best. At the end of the day, congratulate yourself for the things you did well, shake off and forgive yourself for the things you could have done better and commit to bringing your best self to everything you do. If you can’t commit to showing up as your best, then maybe the thing you’re doing is one of those systems that need to be replaced. Start each day clear, make a plan and execute consistently.

Make this year one in which what you want is what you get. Evaluate, Eliminate, Establish, Reboot and Execute. It’s smooth sailing from there.