Happy New Year!
I hope you enjoyed a restful and relaxing break and had an opportunity to recharge your batteries and reflect on the past year. There are always challenges and hills to climb no matter how successful or talented you are and it is important to take stock and think about all your achievements – small and large in the past 12 months.
It is easy to pack away all the stress, difficulties, successes and progress in a ‘done it’ box. It is an interesting and valuable exercise to think back and take 20 minutes (no more) to quickly write down all your successes and achievements either month by month or by work, home etc. You will be amazed by the size of the list and how much you have learned, completed and accomplished. It will give you context and stand you in good stead for the year ahead. But why wait until January? If you find yourself wondering what the hell you are doing at any point in your life this is a really valuable exercise. Try it monthly and you will start to see what you can do and it will give you more motivation to do what you want to do.
New Year Resolutions are often unachievable. They are usually a long list of things that the media tell you to do (stop drinking, exercise more, drink lemon water etc.) front loaded to January – which are great in principle but need to be pinned to your life and your priorities, motivation and your aspirations. So whether the year ahead is full of excitement or challenges thinking back over the past year will help you plan and prepare for the next week, month or year. Set your own (realistic) goals with regard to work, health, exercise or whatever you choose.
Have a great January!