This year, the Chinese New year falls on January 28th when we enter the year of the Fire Rooster. The name sounds rather exciting doesn’t it?

It is, so be sure to check back here in a few days when I will post an in-depth article explaining this fiery Rooster year.

Today’s post is to help  you get ready for the new year and maximize your potential for good fortune.

Consider setting intentions.

Intentions help you to get focused on a chosen direction. We always have a better chance of arriving if we know our hoped for destination. If I want to drive to Michigan from Chicago, I will be more effective if I head north rather than south.

Intentions provide clarity, not a blueprint to be followed blindly. With intentions, we can begin to make small decisions in order to get closer to our goals. We make small decisions and every one helps us to clarify our ideas and move us closer to goals. Should I drive alone or invite a friend? Should I leave in the morning or afternoon?

Research has shown that our brains quiet down when we make a decision. While the decision remains open, our brains remain active, deliberating. Therefore, make small decisions in the direction you know you want to go. If you make a mistake, so what. You have learned something. If you like the result, make another small decision.

Our lives, careers and relationships are created by the compilation of small every day acts that come together over the years. To begin, try setting your intention in order to anchor your direction; then choose today’s next good step, and take it. See what you think….

While you are setting intentions, you might want to increase your chances with some good luck.

One way the Chinese enhance their good fortune for the coming new year is by eating “lucky” foods. These special foods are believed to bring good luck into the new year if you eat them at this time.

‘Lucky Foods’

1. Perhaps the luckiest of all foods to consume at the new year is a whole fish. According to the Chinese, you must be sure to include the head and tail for a good beginning, middle and end of the year.

2. An easier food that doesn’t have a head or tail to consume is an orange. Eating and displaying oranges is said to bring good luck and money.

3. My favorite, and I’m willing to celebrate the new year any day with this one – is a sweet treat. Serving and consuming desserts will brings sweetness into your life in the coming year.

*photo credit