End of the Year Challenge
The new year is almost upon us. As much as it is a time to look ahead and make plans and goals, at this time of year it’s important to look back, too. Rarely do we take the time to revel in our accomplishments, cherish our memories (both good and bad) as the learning processes that they were, and see how far we’ve come.
Before we jump into writing those resolutions, think back. Were you able to achieve those goals you set almost a year ago? How about your relationships with God, your parents, family, or spouse? Are they where you hoped they’d be? By reviewing our accomplishments and setbacks, we can give ourselves the tools and insights we need to stand a better chance of making next year’s goals and dreams a reality.
Level 1: Rate yourself!
Taking the time to review our year is really so much more than simply being sentimental or a matter of tradition. Self reflection and the heightened self-awareness that hopefully follows is essential for reinforcing what we do right as well as overcoming our weaknesses. Like any business, church, or organization, feedback is crucial for growth and improvement. We can become our own feedback system by taking the time to meditate on how we did or didn’t accomplish our goals.
Look at things like your relationship with God, your family, and your passions. Rate the various aspects of your life you are focusing on from 1 to 10, where 10 reflects where you wanted to be, and 1 is having made no progress at all. Did you get accomplish what you had hoped? If not, then…
Level 2: Evaluate!
Didn’t do as well as you hoped, or hit that perfect 10? Find out why!
If you’re happy with your results, then identify specifically what helped. However, often times we fall short of our goals as well. Evaluate your year and try to figure out exactly what blocked you. Remember, we sometimes make goals that aren’t even right for us. Asking the following questions can help nail down what went wrong.
Does this goal inspire and motivate me to put in the consistent effort to succeed? Sometimes we make goals out of a sense of duty or because we believe we “should.” While it’s certainly important to pay attention to what we should do, obligation isn’t always a strong motivator.
Did I have a clear and realistic plan? To make a goal is to hope, but to make a plan is to strive. Taking the time and effort to craft a strategy makes us more committed to our endeavors and gives us tangible steps to follow.
Was I determined or disciplined enough? Accomplishing goals is like making new habits. We need to be able to consistently put in the hard grunt work to earn our goals. Doing so takes a certain work ethic and discipline. While inspiration and motivation contribute to having that discipline, if you know you might be lacking, perhaps you should make working on your diligence your goal as well!
Level 3: Plan and Apply!
Now that you’ve taken a glance back, and you know where you are, onward and forward! Our ability to take that first step for the better, right now, today, is often the difference between thinking, “Tomorrow, I will be a better me,” and, “I have everything it takes to be my best self, right now.”
As you look ahead to a happy, fulfilling and prosperous new year, find joy in where you are today and gratitude for the winding road that led you here.