New Year is a great time to re-evaluate and make resolutions…

But we usually miss a key step in that process.

We forget to truly reflect.

Often we hurriedly make our resolutions on the final days of the year, hoping that once January hits, our habits will suddenly change.

But as Anthony Tjan shares in a recent Harvard Business Review article, “Without self-awareness, you cannot understand your strengths and weakness, your ‘super powers’ versus your ‘kryptonite’.”

Through reflection and self-awareness we can get a clear look at what’s working and what needs improvement.

We have to do some planning, but it’s not so bad after all.

Colonel Eric Kail wrote in the Washington Post, “Gaining wisdom from an experience requires reflection. It is an effort to understand how the events of our life shape the way in which we see the world, ourselves and others. And it is essential for any leader.”

That’s why this month I want to dedicate time to guide you through setting up for your best year yet – both personally and professionally.

I’m not leaving 2017 to chance. And neither should you.

The exercises you’ll receive this month are simple and can be completed in your spare time.

I suggest carving out space in a special notebook or journal that inspires you.

In that notebook, you’ll do a small exercise each week of December that will prepare 2017 to be your best year yet.

Everything this month is easy. I know how busy you are.

Ready? Grab your notepad and let’s go…

Week 1 Exercises: Your 2016 in Review

A few notes for this week:

• Answers can be personal or professional
• These are thought-provoking but also fun
• While you can take your time with the exercises, each one is designed to be completed within 5 minutes or less

If you write these in your journal, you’ll always have them to look back on. You can use them when you’re struggling or need a pick-me-up. You can even answer use these questions next December!

Exercise 1: True Positives

Jot down notes to these questions:

1. What are 3 things I’m proud I did in 2016?
2. Which one of my qualities really shined in 2016?
3. What’s one way I surprised myself in the past year?

You can use these answers next week to develop an amazing vision for 2017.

Exercise 2: Reflection

Fill in the blanks:

1. One big lesson I learned in 2016 was _____________________________________
2. I am most excited to work on improving my _______________________________ in 2017
3. One area or situation that tripped me up this year was __________________________

These answers will help next week when we figure out how to accomplish everything we want next year.

Exercise 3: The Little Things

Finish these prompts:

1. One thing that held me back this year was:
2. One thing that propelled me forward was:
3. One small tweak that improved my quality of life was:

Realising these small things can make a big impact for next year and the years to come.

Exercise 4: Favourites

Respond to the prompts:

1. What was my favourite work moment in 2016?
2. What was my favourite way to relax and rejuvenate in 2016?

Taking note of what’s healthy and valuable to you will help you put those pieces into action more often.

Now that you’ve got your journal under way, you’re ready to set yourself up for the best year yet.

Next week we’ll dig into developing a successful vision for 2017 and following that, we’ll talk about actions and commitments.

Thanks for joining me in preparing for the best 2017 possible!

Any questions?

If you have questions on this topic or any others, feel free to reach me by email or set up a free one-on-one consultation session, or drop me a comment below.

Thanks for sharing!