= Starting the New Year is like sitting in front of a blank canvas, paint brush in hand, ready to create a masterpiece. We begin the year with fresh ideas and resolutions, but too often our best intentions never quite make it past January.

How can you move from good ideas to actually achieving your goals and dreams? Three simple principles can help you TAP into your potential and realize your resolutions this year: 1) think, 2) act, and 3) praise.

The first step to achieving what you want is to think on your strengths. More likely than not, you are already doing small, positive things that are moving you toward what you want. Unfortunately, many of us are in the habit of dwelling on our failures and weaknesses rather than focusing on what we are doing that works.

Paul taught the principle of positive thinking when he said, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). This principle applies to how we think about ourselves, as well as to how we think about others and all of life.

Second, act on your strengths. Look at the small, positive steps you are already taking toward your goal and take your efforts one step further. Build on your strengths and successes, one step at a time, to gradually experience more of what you want. Remember, God places dreams in your heart and empowers you to realize them: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Finally, give praise for what is being created in and through you. By praising God with a spirit of gratitude, you connect with God’s creative energy and are empowered to live out your divine potential. You are God’s emerging masterpiece. Every experience in life – both desirable and difficult – is being used to create a person of value, integrity, grace, and beauty.

As you step forward into the New Year, apply these three principles – think, act, and praise – to TAP into your potential and experience a fulfilling and blessed 2016.