Raise your hand if you had a challenging 2012. Yeah, most writers—at least the ones I know—had somewhat of a tumultuous year. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s all behind us now and we’re in a brand new one! That’s like trading in your old clunker for a brand new set of wheels… with custom leather seats!

Here are some things every writer should do in order to set yourself up for success. Do these and you’ll have an exciting 360 days that are left in 2013. Umm… yes, I’m counting.

Forget the Past. Well, not totally. Remember the lessons but forget how disappointing some of your experiences were. Can’t go back and change them so why hang onto them?

Embrace the present. Today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. Are you reading this? Of course you are. That means you’re alive and as long as there is a breath of life there is hope. Doesn’t that just make your insides feel like warm caramel?

Plan for the future. Ouch. This one’s tough. Why? Well, it sounds like work. And because most of us didn’t have a crystal ball under the tree on Christmas morning. We haven’t the foggiest idea what will happen in our lives this year. No worries. You can still plan for your success. Plot out a course to reach your writing goals. You can always adjust course as needed.

Take a trip to Serenity. There are some things we can change. Change them! Some things in our lives we just can’t budge. Accept them. And as soon as you see it, learn the difference! A doe is a deer. A brauma bull is a danger, especially if you’re china. You really should know the difference. Some things you just steer clear of. Trust me, you want to get it right!

Being successful isn’t magic. Doesn’t have anything to do with which side of the tracks you grew up on. Or what college you did or didn’t graduate from. What matters is whether or not you are a Subaru. You know, the car that’s driven by what’s inside? It’s all about you and your dream. You’re in control of that. No one else.

So what’s it going to be? Will you set yourself up for success? Get it right? I sure hope so. You and your dream are worth it!

What are you doing to get it right? How are you setting yourself up for success in 2013? Share it here.

Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.