When we look at 2012 are we actually creating a new year or are we operating from 2011 and hoping something good happens in 2012? Since our daily actions are given by the future we have created it might be useful to be clear about where we are headed.

An important question to ask ourselves in creating our future is œHave I limited that future before I even take the first step? In other words, have I said œI can have this, but not that?

We say anything is possible but do we live life that way? Do we go for the whole enchilada or is it œanything except? Are we operating form possibility or predictability?

I think that perhaps the biggest roadblock to having our dreams is asking the question œhow before we have determined œwhat. It is usually more productive when I can see what I want before I put the bus on the highway to get there.

If I dont fully commit to my dreams, will I be willing to take the risk or will I settle for less because it appears to be safer? Without risk there is no chance to have the whole enchilada. More like a couple of tacos. Tasty, but not the full meal.

Heres the upside to playing big. Even if you miss you will be further ahead than you would be limiting yourself from the beginning. Also, your failure will give you an opportunity to see whats missing. This could ensure the success of your next effort.

When I was ten years old, I said I was going to be a professional athlete and a coach. At that time I wasnt even sure which sport. As it turned out I accomplished both. I am saying this from œIf I can do it, you can do it.

Entering college I was 57 tall and weighed 135 lbs and basketball was my first love. However, I practiced as if I were 67 tall and weighed 225 lbs. Maybe it was just œdumb luck or, maybe my commitment to being a good player was greater than my circumstances.

Between my first and second year (April to September) I grew 5 inches in 5 months. Still no guarantee of success at 60 and 155 lbs. Yet, I just kept practicing. In the summertime I shot 1000 shots a day on a dirt court. Also, I played my second sport, baseball, as often as possible. In fact, I even made the McClatchy Newspaper (Fresno Bee) all-star team which played an annual game against its counterpart from Sacramento.

The Fresno team represented the best players in the Southern San Joaquin Valley. My friend, Bill Weddle, Lindsay High School, hit a homerun in that game. It was a big thrill to be selected.

I continued to grow in size and basketball skill, talent and ability. Eventually, I got to 64 and 200 lbs. Those guard skills I developed when I was only 57 were paying off. Ultimately, I realized my dream. Anyone who knew me in high school would have said, œno way.

Maybe I was too dumb to know any better. What I do know is that being clear about what I wanted and being persistent in my actions got me there. What are your dreams for 2012 and beyond?

Go to toddcoaching.com and check out Coach Todds latest book, œThe Art of Losing or order it now at lulu.com