Setting Your Course for the New Year
Reflections for Resilience
As we approach the end of the year, it's time to pause, reflect, and look ahead with intention. This transition is more than a marker on the calendar; it's a powerful opportunity to align with your values, reinforce what's working, and adjust where needed. In this issue, we'll explore ways to deepen your end-of-year reflection, making it a springboard for Success as you enter the new year, ready for growth and achievement.
A Thought to Start
"What's one belief I hold about my work or abilities that may be holding me back—and how might I start to challenge it?"
Our beliefs shape our reality, and sometimes the only thing standing between us and our goals is a self-imposed limitation. As Peter Drucker reminds us, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Let's create a future where you step boldly into your potential.
Reflecting on the Past to Shape the Future
1. Revisit Your Successes with Intention
The year's big and small wins are clues to what energizes and strengthens you. Reflect on your achievements, but go deeper—what qualities did you tap into? What choices set you up for these successes?
Ask Yourself: "What key strengths helped me thrive this year?"
Practical Tip: Write these wins down in a dedicated notebook or journal. In each entry, note the strengths and decisions that fueled these moments. This reflection builds your confidence for the new year and helps you frame your narrative powerfully for upcoming performance reviews.
2. Embrace Setbacks as Teachers
Setbacks are natural, and often, they're where the most profound growth happens. Rather than viewing challenges as failures, approach them with curiosity.
Ask Yourself: "What did my challenges teach me, and how can I use that wisdom to grow?"
Practical Tip: Treat each setback as a lesson. Write down one change you'd make if you faced a similar challenge again. This builds self-awareness and resilience—critical components of career success and a valuable mindset for future performance conversations.
Quote: "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." – Thomas Edison
Preparing for Performance Reviews & Career Planning
Performance reviews are your chance to shape the story of your career. Enter with clarity around your growth, goals, and the contributions you aim to make.
Ask Yourself: "Where do I want to grow, and how can I position myself to reach those goals?"
Practical Tip: Identify three areas you're committed to improving. Look for development opportunities that align with your aspirations, and be prepared to discuss these with your manager. Taking ownership of your growth areas shows both initiative and ambition.
Practical Steps to Start the New Year Strong
Align Goals with Your Purpose: When your goals reflect your "why," they're easier to sustain and pursue wholeheartedly.
Example: Rather than setting a generic goal like "I want a promotion," try "I want to lead impactful projects because I value creating pathways for team success."
Track Your Progress: Create a dashboard to keep your growth on track. This can be a simple weekly or monthly check-in with yourself.
Build Your Support Network: Growth doesn't happen in isolation. Connect with mentors and colleagues who support your journey and are invested in your development.
A Final Reflection
As you step into a new year, know that every goal you set and every challenge you face is part of a journey toward fulfillment and leadership excellence. Embrace this time to set intentions with clarity and confidence.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to Success.”
Newsletters I read daily to stay informed and get inspired: The Hustle, Morning Brew, Seth Godin’s Blog, Atlas Obscura, Oprah Daily
Podcasts: The Daily, NPR News Now, Marketplace, Marketplace Tech, Don’t Keep Your Day Job, The Highest Self, Planet Money
Elevate Your Leadership with "This Is Strategy"
Seth Godin's This Is Strategy offers a fresh perspective on strategic thinking, making it an essential read for leaders. Godin's unique approach challenges conventional wisdom, encouraging readers to focus on their target audience, make bold choices, and deliver exceptional value.
This book is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills and drive innovation.
Consider how many different pieces of content you see in any given week. See something that resonates with you? Share it with us to feature it in our Social Media of the Week section.
Every year you make a resolution to change yourself.
This year, make a resolution to be yourself.
