If you tie your goal-setting to the new year, now's the time that you should be laying the groundwork for a successful 2010. Here are three preliminary steps that you should take to get the process started:

1. Review where you are now against your goals for 2009. Pay particular attention to the goals you didn't make, with an eye toward determining why you fell short and what you could have done differently.
2. Consider where you want to be in 5 years. What do you have to do over the next year to move at least 1/5 of the way to that vision?
3. Identify your 'non-negotiables.' If you don't know what I'm talking about, review this post from Michael Hyatt. Once you're done, put together your list of tasks that will take priority as you plan your time.

Bonus Tip: If you don't have one already, form an accountability partnership with someone you trust to help keep you on track towards reaching your goals in 2010. You can find more information on forming an accountability partnership here.