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It’s officially the “end of the year”. How was your 2023?
If you thought… “I don’t know” or “good” or “eh…” or “I’m so glad it’s over”… You haven’t found the gift that’s waiting for you.
No matter how this year treated you… it has something to give you.
Taking the time to reflect… even if it’s just 10 minutes, can take your experiences and magnify their worth. Research shows that the habit of reflection can separate extraordinary professionals from mediocre ones.
When I personally did this exercise just last week, I was honestly surprised how much I grew… and Mindtap as well. A few example nuggets include:
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- I completed Mindtap’s flagship online course, Stand Up To Stand Out
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- I delivered 9 keynotes & trainings to corporate audiences & non-profits.
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- Mindtap grew 60% this year, enabling a yearly giving of 5% of profits to a cause supporting diverse individuals.
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- My video speaking skills greatly improved (when compared to videos earlier this year!)
I share this not to brag… but to demonstrate the power of reflection.
Before this, I was only thinking about my plans for next year and how much I want to accomplish and how much work I have to do. I was also thinking about how much I didn’t get to this year – feeling disappointed.
However, this list shows me how far I’ve come. I honestly didn’t realize the difference. And now I have the confidence and excitement to dive into the New Year!
To help you get started – here’s 5 things that helped me review…
"Looking back, we see with great clarity, and what once appeared as difficulties now reveal themselves as blessings."
1️⃣ Celebrate Milestones
Before looking ahead, it’s important to acknowledge the amazing accomplishments this year. Seeing them together often surprises me how much I actually achieved.
2️⃣ Look back on what worked (and what didn’t)
I experimented with a lot of new things this year. Repeating what worked and adjusting what didn’t gives me clarity into how I’ll be designing next year.
3️⃣ Current Status Check
Understanding how I’m doing, at this point in time, requires me to get real honest with myself. Where am I with finances, health, friends, family, & spirituality?
4️⃣ Have Family Conversations
I want to make sure that I’m not only there for my business, but my family as well. We’re already scheduling trips, setting goals, and making fun plans for next year!
5️⃣ Defining Direction
Staying true to my definition of success is important to me. I always ask myself: Is what I’m doing today and planning for tomorrow aligned with what I consider success?
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I’m here for you if you’d like to share your big ah-ha’s or just want to celebrate your milestones! Just reply and I’ll send a note back – I read every email.
Sending you and yours wishes for a wondrous, joyous & healthy holiday season!
P.S. There is no newsletter next week – I’m off to spend time with my family and completely unplugging! 🙂 I hope you can do this too – whether it’s a few hours or a few days.
P.P.S. I do have some big plans for next year! In fact, I’m building something really special for January! Keep a lookout…
