Happy new year! Did you make any new year's resolutions this year? Are there any carry-over goals or resolutions left to conquer from last year? Or are you still basking in the wondrous feeling of accomplishment from achieving and exceeding your own expectations from last year?

Whatever your situation may be, it is that time of year again to identify and pursue what it is we really want in this life for ourselves and for others. It's time to stop being opportunistic, hoping that something good will happen for us or that someone will just hand us what we want most. It is time for us to become more strategic about our dreams and goals and actually make things happen for us instead of waiting for things to happen to us.

The easy way out might be to say that this sounds like more philosophical rhetoric or feels like too much work. Well here is the deal, we can either attach our sail to someone else's boat, tagging along on their dreams and goals, or we can navigate our own ship on the seas of our own destiny. And the difference-maker will be our level of commitment.

But isn't that always the case? I mean, we get these great ideas and set our new year's resolutions to improve our lives in some way or do more for ourselves and others. And then before we know it, convenience takes over for commitment, long-term goals give way to our instant gratification.

Commitment will be my watchword as I know that I have more to give, learn, do, and love in this world.

As I prepare to steer my ship this year and to help me grow personally, professionally and spiritually, I am committed to do the following:

Personal growth: One of my favorite websites is www.candogo.com. OK, maybe it's one of my favorites because I built the website. Even so, I am committed to spending just seven minutes each day watching five video clips that will have an impact on my day. Here is where I get my daily dose of motivation and inspiration in quick little sound bites.

Professional growth: “The Sandler Rules: 49 Timeless Selling Principles and How to Apply Them” is a fantastic book. In addition to everything else I read, which is usually about one book per week plus the Bible and the newspaper and various blogs and columns, I will commit to reading one chapter each week and work on building upon that specific selling principle or skill. This book can be found at www.sandler.com

Spiritual growth: This will be a huge daily commitment and one that I invite you to join me in. I am starting a daily devotional reading, “The One Year Daily Insights.” It is a book written by Zig Ziglar and Ike Reighard and has 365 quick insights based on Scripture and tied to a motivational principle. I will be sharing my thoughts each day on Facebook, so please join me and share your thoughts and ideas as well. You can find the book at www.ziglar.com/shop or on Amazon and you can find me on Facebook to participate or follow along. If you can't find me on Facebook or have a problem finding the book just send me an email at gotonorton@gmail.com and I will make sure we connect.

As I set my course for the coming year I know that these three things will have a huge impact on my results and I will be absolutely committed to each one for the entire year. Commitment is my watchword.

How about you? I would love to hear what you will do to navigate your life this year, the course you will set for yourself, and how you plan on making commitment your watchword for 2013 at gotonorton@gmail.com. When we know where we are headed, this really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former president of the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and founder of www.candogo.com