Have you noticed there are lots of recaps of 2016 going around? We can’t help but be reminded of all the major events that occurred over the past 12 months. I always enjoy these recaps but I can’t help but think about two things:
- I didn’t play a factor in these events
- I can’t change anything about them now
What I can do with these recaps is to learn what others went through; what they experienced and the events that occurred and to think about how those lessons could apply in my own life.
On a more personal note though, I have found that a great use of my time is to recap and review the highlights that happened in MY own life in the past year. I actually love this exercise every year. In early January I spend an hour and go through my calendar to remember all the great things that happened. I encourage you to do the same. It is a great opportunity to relive the moments of your life and remember all the great things you did and all the great things you enjoyed.
Start with Successes: Out of all the good things that occurred in your life, did you take the time to fully appreciate them? Were there any significant accomplishments that you achieved and that you were proud of? High achievers tend to miss the pleasures that come when you reflect on success. Spend a few minutes while you are remembering and celebrate the successes, the wins, and the moments.
Look at Setbacks: Look at the setbacks that may have occurred. Did you learn any lessons from them? Did you make any changes in your behavior that will lessen or reduce any future setbacks? Do you feel that there is anything you could do now that may affect the difficulties that may have occurred?
Life Relationships: Consider all of the important relationships that are in your life. Keep your focus on the truly important relationships. Recap all of the good memories you had with them.
Now that you have remembered the great things from 2016 now look into 2017 to shape your ideas, set goals and solidify plans for how you really want your life to be. Use those lessons from the past to help create your successes in the future.
Another exercise I do every January is I choose a word for the new year. One, two or three words that capture the essence of what I want the brand new squeaky clean year to be about. Last year the words for the year 2016 were Faith. Play. Laugh. I am not sure yet what the word for 2017 will be. I am thinking on it as I write this.
I’d like you to think of a word that you feel best captures what it is that you desire for 2017. Write that word down. This word will be the basis of setting yourself up with 5 big audacious goals for the new YEAR! Come from a place of being inspired. Don’t limit yourself. Think about what it is you really want and then write those down. I refer to my goals and dreams at least every month. Who do you want to become? What do you want your life to really look like? How do you want this year to be different? What do you want more in your life? What do you want less of in your life? We really do create our lives. Life happens and we certainly don’t have control over much, but we can control our thoughts and our actions.
I wish you all the best a New Year has to offer.
P.S. I hope you found my article useful on welcoming 2017. If you liked this blog post, I think you will love my blog post on a
Mindset for Business.
