The United Negro College Fund has a saying: “;A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”; Similarly, because I'm a time-management trainer and consultant, I believe that a year is a terrible thing to waste.

One thing I do at the end of each year is review the year's highlights, satisfying moments and accomplishments. I remember one year, to my dismay, I could recall few positive notes. That was discouraging and most dissatisfying.

Seeing holiday decorations already in the stores reminds me that Christmas is around the corner, and after that, the New Year.

Realizing that 2008 is in the home stretch has led me to wonder how satisfied and pleased I'll feel when this year is over. So I spent a few minutes and took an inventory of the year to date.

I'd like to share this little exercise, in hopes that it will help you to acknowledge and enjoy what you've accomplished thus far, and to identify what more you'd like to do by the end of the year. By doing so, it's possible to have greater satisfaction when 2009 arrives.

On a sheet of paper, make five or six columns and title them with life areas important to you. Mine were, in no particular order: Business, Spiritual growth, House/Yard, Personal relationships, and Self-improvement. You might substitute Finances, Health, Travel or any other areas important to you.

For each, begin by reviewing and writing down what you've accomplished thus far and what's satisfied you. These needn't be completion of large projects, but can be works in progress, treasured memories and special insights gained - things you're pleased about.

For example, under “;Personal relationships,”; my satisfying items include keeping in regular touch with a California friend (we talk the first Sunday of each month), hosting a party for one of my son's mainland friends, and making fun photo albums for my grandson. This part of the exercise should take up the top third to one-half of your page.

Then, draw a horizontal line and underneath, for each category, list the things you still want to do by year's end. Under “;Personal relationships,”; I want to touch base with certain friends and relatives with a phone call (instead of just e-mail), get together for lunch with certain special friends, and devise a system to better remember birthdays.

From your list, pick the ones you will do first. They may seem like small items but they may be big on meaning and satisfaction.

The good news is there are three full months left in this year. If improving health and fitness has been a goal, this could be the year you finally get started! Even taking beginning steps such as walking regularly will be a satisfying attainment that lays the foundation for next year.

Hopefully on Dec. 31, we'll be able to look back with and think, “;2008 was a very satisfying year!”;

See you in two weeks!