Hi everybody,
Each year as we approach the close of one year and the beginning of another I go through an exercise with my coach which I find extremely beneficial and rewarding. I have asked if I can share it with my clients past and present, and other close contacts.
This is way beyond creating New Year resolutions and is much more about moving on to the future with renewed optimism and focus. I hope you have the chance to do it rather than just read it. It is important that you write down the answers rather than just think them through especially as it is a really enjoyable exercise to complete.
Step One
Look over the past year and:
A) Make a list of all the wins, successes and breakthroughs in the past year. Look at all areas of your life. What do you want to celebrate and acknowledge?
B) Make a list of all the losses, disappointments and breakdowns in the past year. What do you want to forgive yourself for and release?
C) Bring this list to our session. We will discuss what it means to be “complete” with each item. Incompleteness holds us back from taking on the next exciting opportunity.
Step Two
Looking over the past year, what are the 5-7 lessons you have learned?
Choose the lessons that you want to carry over into the New Year.
What learning is there to deepen?
Some examples of learning:
- I learned to windsurf, play bridge or speak Spanish
- I learned that my mistakes do not mean I am a failure
- I learned that more is possible for me than I ever imagined
As you review your goals and commitments for 2014, which areas do you want to maintain, bring into the New Year, revise, be complete with?
Step Three
Consider these questions as you prepare your vision for 1 year from now:
- As you stand on one of the peaks looking forward, what future is calling?
- What is the essence of what is next for you?
- What do you want to achieve or accomplish?
- What risks and challenges will you take on?
- What more of you wants to be expressed — for example, self-love, self-compassion, self-value?
- What self-lies (e.g., “I am not powerful.”) are you ready and willing to end?
- What new level of abundance and success are you willing to embrace?
Imagine one year ahead, and write a list of all the wins, successes and breakthroughs for the coming year. What would you like to learn or accomplish by the end of the next year? Write this list as though it has already happened. Make it as long as you choose, and be sure to look at each area of your life.
Prioritise the list. Look at how each item fits with your values, make plans and set accountability for the next year.
Step Four
Much like the Chinese tradition that gives names to each year, choose a name for this coming year. Use images, symbols or ideas to name the coming year. What image allows you to step more fully into what you want to be, and are already becoming? Find a name that stretches your imagination and moves you into greater possibility.
Examples: Year of Balance, Year of the Soaring Eagle, Year of the Wild Woman Set Free, Year of the Creative Genius, etc.
Step Five
Finally, consider where we are in our relationship:
- What do you want more of, less of, the same of?
- In what ways might this relationship and our work better serve you?
Please try PRINTING IT OFF and DOING IT… it may not be as artistic or colourful as a Greetings card but I guarantee the positive attitude, actions and focus will last for a whole year.
Have some great time off and a prosperous new year.
Cheers for now,
David T Preston
Business and Executive Coach
