Christmas is about the only time that most of us get at least a few days off to over indulge, pick fluff from our belly buttons and generally put our feet up. But it’s also a great time to sit back and reflect on the year that was in both our business and our life.
I like to use this time to clarify a few things. I like to look back on the year and figure out what I did that I’m really proud of? What were my greatest achievements in this year? Who did I help? How did I make the planet better in some way? How have I grown as a human being? These are the good things.
I also like to think about the things I didn’t do so well. Who did I neglect? What didn’t I get done? What didn’t I put my best efforts into? What could I have done a better? What shouldn’t I have done?
Then I make a short list of what I have learnt from the year that was. This is both the good and the bad stuff but it certainly helps me to learn my lesson and celebrate my victories. After all, if we aren’t growing we are dying. And I for one, am certainly not ready to give up the ghost just yet.
Once I have done my reflecting and learning I like to spend some time visualising the year ahead. What do I want to achieve both personally and professionally? Who do I want in my life? Who don’t I want? What am I going to do to help others? What are my big goals? What are my small goals? And most importantly, what will I do when I achieve each of these?
We all work way too hard these days. It’s not a luxury to spend time reflecting and planning, it’s a necessity. But most of all, get excited about your future. Regardless of what the media tells us, or the doomsayers whisper, life will go on and we can all decide to be positive and ready to embrace all that lies ahead. Share your goals, your dreams and what you have learnt with those around you and you may be surprised how receptive they are.
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