Over the past couple of weeks, I've put together various year-end lists, and I have one more to present. CDs of the year. Albums, in old-people parlance.

However, sitting next to a stale beer and a TV blaring Fergie, I felt the need to reflect on 2006 and look ahead to 2007 before I show off my ultimate 2006 and annual list.

First and foremost, as we get older -- and we all are -- the need to progress as individuals, as a community, as a state, a country, nation and so forth is top of mind going into the new year. We always say that with every drop of a New Year's ball.

But, we rarely act on it.

I am one for resolutions; however, I prefer to keep those to myself. I have many.

What I can tell you is that 2007 is a year for work and effort, neither necessarily tied to a professional job. It's about achieving this state of ultimate progress, about being the best you can be, whether it pertains to an individual goal -- such as losing 25 more pounds for me (I weighed in at 200 on Dec. 31, having started at 218 on Nov. 4) -- or to a more spiritual goal, such as being the person your Creator expects you to be.

OK, it's nothing to cringe at. We all feel that tug, whether we recognize it or not, and we each know what's required of us to maximize that progress.

It could mean cutting expenses or eating more veggies or working out like a fiend (that's me) or devoting part of your day to intellectual or spiritual studies or ending a habit or a relationship or devoting time to the creation of a new habit or relationship ... either way, it takes devotion.

You know what it is for you.

I know what it is for me.

Don't wait until Jan. 2. Get started today.