"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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