Take a Timeout
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer

The most important task you can do to promote success in the coming year just might be the time you spend reflecting on the year to which you are bidding farewell. As you look back at 2019, were you spending your time and treasure on things that are in line with your values? Did you see results in line with your expectations? On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the highest, how would you rate 2019?

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is one of my favorite weeks because I spend time reviewing and planning my life. I chose the word life because my focus during this time is much greater than merely my career. I look at every aspect of my life from January through December. The good days, the bad days, and everything in between. Unless we take a hard look at the past, we can’t make the necessary adjustments that will position us best for the coming year. Let’s look at a few steps you will need to take:

• Schedule the time. Don’t think you will find the time. I have tried this enough to know that unless you are highly intentional and schedule the time, life gets in the way.
• Find the best place to reflect. Where do you do your best thinking? Most likely, it will be in a comfortable location and away from distractions. Turn off notifications and silence your phone.
• Gather your tools. You will need your notes and calendar from 2019 and a new calendar for 2020. If you have a growth plan, have that out too. Remember, your goal is to integrate every aspect of your life.

Once you are ready, it’s time to reflect, recalibrate, adjust, and plan 2020. Your goal is to do more of what works and stop doing things that didn’t work. What activities moved you closer to your values and goals? Who were the people that helped or hindered your progress?

And remember, it is never too late to reflect and plan. Today may be January 1, but any day can serve as your starting point. Take a moment right now to schedule your reflection and planning time!

If you would like to hear more tips, please join Marisa Norcross and me for Episode 133 of The Next Page podcast as we walk through how to reflect and plan for the best year ever.

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