Review: Easy Exercise To Make This A Great 2023
I have to look at my calendar every day to remind myself that it’s already January 2023. It still feels like fall of last year just began!
In case you didn’t do it at the end of last year, now’s a good time to talk about and reflect on what you accomplished.
There are two steps to this exercise, and today we’re just going to cover the first step: reviewing. Next time, we’ll dive into renewing.
For now, all you really have to do is think. To start, carve out a little bit of time - whether you have half an hour or just 15 minutes. The important part is you take the time, remove any distractions, and think.
If you had a plan for 2022, it will be helpful to have that in front of you. If not, open up your calendar to help you reflect.
It’s human nature to dwell on what we didn’t accomplish but now, I want you to recognize all that you achieved last year.
It feels good to celebrate these wins, but it also presents a learning opportunity. You will be able to see how you accomplished your goals, and how you successfully removed any obstacles that may have been in your way.
It’s important to me that you have both a fulfilling career and a happy life, so think outside the box when it comes to accomplishments. What have you achieved in the following categories?
Your career. What were your wins? Did you hit the career goals and objectives that you wanted to? Did you reach stretch goals?
Growth and development. This can be related to your job within your current position/company, or perhaps you hope to transition elsewhere. Did you make any steps to achieve that goal?
Your family. What have you accomplished on behalf of your family? Were you able to spend time with them? Did you do anything special as a family?
Your friendships. After a couple of years of more isolation than usual, were you able to reconnect with friends this year? Did you strengthen relationships?
Self-care. This can look different for everyone. Were you able to get the exercise you wanted? Did you start a mediation practice? Are you keeping up with doctors' appointments?
Leisure. Were you able to take breaks? Did you go on a great vacation? Did you read some good books?
Your home. Did you accomplish what you wanted in terms of your own environment? Did you finish a house project? Did you move to a new house?
Here’s another cool item to consider: Did you check anything off your bucket list?
There are so many accomplishments that you can have outside of your professional goals. I bet there was stuff you accomplished that wasn’t on your development list. Don’t forget to give yourself credit for the bonus things as well.
Now that you’ve listed the things you’ve accomplished, there are probably things on your 2022 goals list that didn’t get the attention you intended or weren’t accomplished at all.
Address the things that went undone without judgment. Recognize them for what they are.
Next time, I’ll talk to you about using this list to renew your goals this year. To prepare for that while you’re making this list, flag the things you anticipate needing. What obstacles prevented you from not reaching some of your goals? What resources will you need this year?
Organization is important at this stage. Capture this list in a way that works for you. You might journal, mind map, or even make an Excel sheet. Just make sure you catch your thoughts in a way that you can remember and revisit them.
Here’s your homework before next time: Reflect on the list you made. If it helps, give yourself a grade.
Be on the lookout for my next blog, but in the meantime watch my LinkedIn live to go even more in-depth about the review process.
