It’s the perfect time of year to strategize.

During my stay at Canyon Ranch a few years ago, I attended a variety of lectures each day and found them all to be incredibly enlightening and motivating. My favorite was a motivational speech who spoke about creating miracles by a man named Jerry Posner, who was just as entertaining as he was practical. The fact that it was practical was my favorite part. I often attend spiritual lectures and appreciate the thinking, but Posner made spiritual teachings a practical practice. Here are his four ways to create your own miracles.

First off, like any miracle seeking mind, ask yourself – How do you perceive the world? If you've been reading my blog, you already know that your thoughts and actions can increase the outcomes of miracles (see post). And let's redefine miracles here. Think of miracles as accomplishing your goals, not some crazy, random act of God.

“There are two way s to live your life – either everything is a miracle or nothing is a miracle. - Einstein”

Step One: Identify Your Goal

Ask yourself – What's important to you now? That is perhaps the most powerful question you could ask yourself. Often times, we think things are important but they truly aren't anymore. What do you want in your future that you don't have in your present? What do you really want?

Step Two: Determine if it's Appropriate for You Right Now

You must determine if your goal is right for you at this point in your life. Are all of the necessities in alignment? Do you have the mental and emotional focus? How about desire, passion for the goal and courage? These are all essential tools one must have in order to be able to achieve goals that may seem a bit out of reach. Clarify what your goal actually is and decide if you can take the risk and if you're up for the challenge.

Step Three: Make a Plan of Action

Put a plan in place and ask yourself – What are you going to do to make this happen for yourself? As Posner says, "Plan your work and work your plan."