Believe it or not, 2014 will be here before you know it, and as Inc. contributor Lewis Howes explains, you’re better off not wait until New Year’s Eve to make your resolutions to improve your business. The article “Planning Ahead: 5 Steps to Dominating in Business in 2014” offers suggestions to put you ahead of the game.

1. Set action-oriented goals early, not on New Year’s Eve. Choose your resolutions early and don’t make them a behavior you want to stop or change. Make resolutions involving new actions you will take to get you closer to your objectives. Stopping behaviors just puts you at a standstill – setting actionable goals will move you forward.
2. Understand the plan to disrupt your industry. If you’re going to change your industry for the better, you’re going to have to have a plan. Identify ways to stand out from your competitors. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned in 2013, and decide how you can use them to disrupt the competition moving forward.
3. Leverage partnerships. In the rest of this year, work on solidifying three new partnerships that will help you dominate 2014. There are hundreds of businesses in every town or city with which you could develop a mutually beneficial business relationship. Identify the best options, and get to work!
4. Create immense value for others. Pay it forward in the next few months to reap the benefits in the coming year. Show your customers how much you value them and they won’t forget it. This concept also applies in a more personal sense. “If there is something that you truly want next year – such as more money, more support or an amazine mentor – go out and get it away,” the article suggests.
5. Leave your doubts behind. In the coming months, reflect upon and eradicate any doubts you’ve been holding on to. This means you’ll have to be honest with yourself and face your fears, but the results are worth it. For 2014 to be your most successful year yet, you’re going to have to be more confident than ever.

Click here to read the article from Entrepreneur.com.