A pen and paper in hand, numerous plans mapped out in the mind’s eye. This is the state most of us find ourselves at the end of year or the beginning of another. Conceptualize it, create a goal and set out plans on how to achieve it, then write it down. The pattern is almost the same for many of us. The only problem is that we enter the new year with energy and renewed purpose from our goals. But then, life happens, and another year comes and goes without achieving all those goals.
So, in case you one among many riling yourself up over unaccomplished goals, remember that the success of any timeline or season is not always in the items ticked off. Here are a few ideas to help you keep your year in perspective.
Introspection
Pause. Take time out to appraise your year but do this with a little kindness to yourself. You deserve it. This is because firstly, several factors come into play in influencing the fulfilment or otherwise of a planned goal. Simply put, circumstances may have caused an alteration to your earlier set goals, so while you made certain achievements, recognising them may be difficult because they were not part of the pre-written 2018 goals. In reverse, some goals not yield fruits due to other circumstances.
In addition, your direct or indirect actions may have led to the current status quo. Taking that pause helps us analyze and take stock of the year. Just like a businessman would do a store inventory to help income flow and track business growth, doing an analysis of our actions, taking stock of activities and their impact on our overall outcome in life is important for our growth in all areas.
You can ask for honest reviews from those you have been in close contact with during the year especially those you trust.
Be grateful
Refuse to get so fixated on the former goals and disappointments. Be grateful for every milestone achieved. An advisable way to tackle this is acknowledging and appreciating the growth you have accomplished. It enables you to appreciate the seemingly simple things. So, take a pen and a book, going monthly that is from January to this day, write out the things you have accomplished (including those you did not plan for), include the great moments you have had this year and If possible try to recreate those memories (maybe through a photo book filled with pictures of memories created).
Appreciate yourself
In the event where it seems like you did nothing right this year, take yourself out and treat yourself for not giving up. Self-care is not selfish as you cannot effectively serve from an empty vessel.
Get back to work
Finally, after you have dealt with the past disappointment, take a cue from the lessons from your introspection. It is not enough to stop at being grateful. Ask yourself what you need to move forward. Set another plan, a better plan.
In summary and before you begin to consider 2019 goals,
- Do an Introspection
- Recollect /Write out the things you’re grateful for
- Appreciate yourself
- Get back to work employing the lessons from Introspection
From me to you with love, Happy Holidays and a fulfilling New Year