Imagine it’s December 31, 2023. Whew! Another year gone and once again oh, so quickly! We all know the dismal track record of keeping our New Year's resolutions. Sure, we go great guns on our promised change of habits or new endeavors until well, we don’t anymore.
So, let’s mix it up a bit. How about kicking off 2023 by writing up the way you would like it to go? Commit to those actions/behavior and set a date to revisit your answers a year from now and then go celebrate your learnings, successes, and commitments!
Answer the following questions.
What was the one thing you did that took you the furthest out of your comfort zone and what positive outcome was the result?
What did you do differently that made you even more impactful in 2023?
List two new actions you were so glad you took for your own mental well-being in 2023.
What was your biggest fear at the beginning of 2023 and how did you meet it head on and triumph over it?
What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2023 and how will you leverage that insight in 2024?
Isn’t it funny how hindsight seems to make everything clearer? And have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Gee, if I only knew then what I know now?” Here is a chance to get a jump ahead. When we set our minds upon something and commit to it in writing, research tells us it has the best chance of coming to fruition. Even if we don’t attain the actual goal, we often gain highly valued insights on the journey and a whole new toolbox of lessons and tools for the next time.
So, take a minute before it’s June already and you’re wondering what the heck just happened to the first part of 2023 and being no further on your plans and quests than you are today. Give yourself the gift of planning, commitment, and direction. It is a great start to celebrating a fabulous ending of 2023!
Dr. Merrylue Martin is CEO of the Job Joy Group, a leadership development company, and author of the best-selling book, The Big Quit Survival Guide. To learn more visit www.BigQuitSurvivalGuide.com
