The holiday season is officially upon us. Thanksgiving is always a reminder to me that I have two switches in life: on and off. There is not much in between. I eat or I don’t eat. And so far this year, my eating switch is on.

They say the average American gains seven pounds during the holiday season. I think I gained at least that much over Thanksgiving alone.

The start of the holiday season also means the countdown to the end of the year collections for most firms. As a marketing person, this is usually my cue to duck and cover and avoid any incoming attorneys. But it is also a time where day-to-day marketing efforts slow and some long-term planning can actually take place.

So, before shutting down for the year, take a little time to think about what lies ahead. There is no better time than now to start planning to make 2011 your best year ever.