Define New Goals

Now that the kids are off building lives of their own, it’s time to focus on what you want out of life.

What are your dreams and goals? Have you always wanted to start your own business? Go back to school? Learn a new skill or hobby? Think about these questions and try to narrow down what you most need or want at this stage of your life. You don’t have to realize these goals in the first 30 days; just give yourself the opportunity to think about them.
 
Write your goals down and take a small action step toward one of those dreams today. Read a book or magazine on the subject, do an internet search or talk to a friend.

If you have other kids at home, you can still use this exercise to your benefit. Think about what you can do now to achieve your goal or dream by the time your youngest leaves home; or make a plan that you can implement when you’re a full-fledged empty nester. Either way, now is a good time to start focusing on you.