"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Looking back over this year, how's it been for you?
Looking toward next year, what are your dreams for the coming year?
As we close out this year, and prepare to welcome the next, I have an early holiday gift for you!
Today I'm giving you an exercise to acknowledge and celebrate what has happened for you this year, and help cultivate additional focus about what you want to create next year.
You can do this for yourself individually or adapt for use with your team as well.
1) On one piece of paper, write down all your disappointments, failures and breakdowns that happened this year.
2) On a second piece of paper, write down all your successes, wins and breakthroughs that happened in this year.
3) On a third piece of paper, write down what lessons you've learned this year that you want to bring forward into the next. What do you want to intentionally carry with you?
4) Tear up or carefully destroy the first two pieces of paper.
5) Now, imagine it's a year from now. What are your successes, wins and breakthroughs that happened in the coming year?
Write these down specifically and in the present tense, as though they have already happened or happen routinely:
"I am doing meaningful work that uses my skills and talents."
"My workspace is clear and uncluttered and I find needed papers and documents easily."
"My working relationships are productive and enjoyable."
6) Name this coming year like it was the title of a movie: e.g., The Year of…. Being Awake. The Year of No Kidding Around. The Year of Taking Names and Taking Charge. The Year of Deep Stillness.
7) As the year progresses, regularly check in with your list of desired successes, and your year's title. What do you need to put into place to make your vision a reality?
In the Comments below, I'd love to hear from you. Try this exercise and then tell me:
– What steps will you take to assure this coming year is your Year of ….?
– What's different for you when you clearly state your intentions and goals?
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Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Â Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
This is great advice, I’m going to do this exercise this week. It’s not just about the wins and losses but about what we learned to become better leaders through it all. I hope everyone reads this article as they prepare for a great 2013.
Thanks, Natasha! Let me know how the exercise works for you!
Thanks for a great process! I’m really looking forward to using this exercise to put to bed this last year and set up for a terrific 2013!
Can’t wait to find out next year’s blockbuster title! 😉
Woohoo, Heidi! Would love to hear what you come up with!
After a tough year, this is wonderful advice! I’m definitely going to sit down and do this. Thank you SO much for sharing!
Hey Ashley, so glad if it hits the mark with you – would love to hear what comes from giving it a try! Happy almost new year!