As I sit here on this final day of 2017, I pause to take time to look back on the previous 12 months to evaluate my experiences and to think about how to get a jump start on 2018. I hope that you will benefit from me sharing some thoughts on how you can make 2018 a historic year for yourself.
STUDY YOUR POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES
Take time reflecting, in order to remember and write down every experience that stood out in the past year. Write down both positive and negative experiences because I know that I have learned from both. No one individual, organization, or even sector is immune from the disruptive changes at play. A few years back taxi drivers, photo technicians, music/video stores, and travel agents may have been the early face of this disruption narrative — but today even those with seemingly steady careers within traditionally stable sectors like banking, financial services, insurance, and other areas – are faced with disruption.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU IN 2017?
Reflect on the surprises that came your way – and then on how you responded. What do you notice about your ability to adapt and pivot within the unexpected? Those who are open-minded, innovative, nimble and quick are better primed to seize opportunities and work with change. Those who are a part of the “status quo” will be left behind and looking in from the outside.
WHAT DID THIS TEACH YOU?
My experience in life is that every experience for better or worse can be a ‘teacher’ if we use it well. How did you grow in 2017? What insights, knowledge, skills were gained or reinforced the last 12 months? Reflect on skills related to self awareness, trust, adaptability, resourcefulness, resilience. These core internal skills are critical today and in the year(s) ahead.
WHAT DID YOU DO THAT YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE?
What did you spend a lot of time on? Was it a priority? Was it in your strength zone? Was it something only you could do, or should you have delegated it? What will you do differently in 2018?
WHAT DID YOU NOT DO THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE?
What did you not do that should have been a priority in 2017? What key action didn’t you do that would have had a major impact? What will you do differently in 2018?
WHAT DID YOU DO THAT HELPED YOU GROW MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE?
Is it repeatable? Do you want to make it a regular habit? How can you break it down into manageable “nuggets” to make it happen again in 2018?
2018 – THE YEAR AHEAD:
WHERE DO YOU NEED TO GO IN 2018?
What’s next for you professionally and personally? While you may not know the precise answers yet, keeping this question in your mind will keep you on your toes so that you can plan and be better prepared for opportunities. To quote the great Wayne Gretzky, “Skate to where the puck is going, not where it has been.”
HOW WILL YOU EVOLVE IN 2018?
While you can’t predict the whole year, it’s a good idea to start your strategy in developing and indentifying new skills, experiences and knowledge that will help you grow in 2018. Visualize yourself at the end of 2018 and ask yourself if you would be happy with your visualization?
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP GOALS FOR 2018?
Now it’s time to be specific and concrete about your 2018 goals. Goals – if meaningful, relevant and backed up with a plan — can provide focus, direction, a sense of purpose, and energize you with new motivation. How can I top last year’s accomplishments? How can I exceed my expectations, as well as the expectations of others? Don’t settle for good when great is a possibility.
I wish you a healthy, happy and a great 2018!
