Looking Back to Look Forward…
December - It’s my favorite time of the year. …and the last 2 weeks are always my favorite. First, I get to start by celebrating the week of Christmas with family and friends… it’s the most wonderful time of the year! …and the last week of December is a time to recharge, reset, and reflect. As I think about the year ahead – I always like to start by looking back and recognize accomplishments, as well as things I wanted to accomplish - but fell short of.
Many years ago I began a planning and goal setting process. I take time to look at my planner and write down where I invested my time for both work and my personal life. Am I investing in people, am I growing in my career, am I adding value to others? This year, I fell short on some big goals, but when I look back, I realize that I have accomplished some really great things. Looking back gives us energy and momentum to carry us in the new year. When we don’t write it down – it’s easy to forget - especailly all of the good we are doing throughout the year. Once we look back – then it’s time to look ahead. What are some of the things we want to do? Now is the time to plan a vacation, learn spanish, write a book, attend a conference, or take a class or certification, or volunteer in your community! I like to really think big and make a long list - and when I am finished, I will circle my top 3-5 things to keep me on track. I call them my MVP’s - most valuable projects.
This year, I want to challenge you to write down some goals, and see how you do. It’s not about the things you achieve, but the person you want to be, Always remember that change happens when we are intentional about our every day…Brendon Burchard once shared this with me and I want to pass on to you as well.
CHANGE STARTS WHEN…
1. we set an intention,
2. then it becomes a behavior,
3. then a habit,
4. then a practice,
5. then it becomes second nature,
6. then it becomes simply WHO you are.
For example, I used to set goals on reading books, now I dont need to do this because it has become who I am… It’s this for many things in my life from exercise to networking. This year, I have more goals that I want to accomplish and never underestimate the value of being intentional. When we are intentional and write it down, we find that we accomplish so much more than what we think did - and it keeps us in pursuit of what’s important to us throughout the year.
Looking back at 2022?
I got to see my grandson graduate from pre-school and move on to Kindergarten, Snow skiing with family, Speak at more than 25 events, and Host over 50 podcast episodes in season 3 of “Life in the Leadership Lane” podcast,
What am I looking forward to in 2023?
Getting my books on audible, Helping more companies with relocation, Taking a vacation with my family, Hosting season 4 “Life in the Leadership Lane” podcast, and Serving Texas SHRM & NTRP Communities, just to name a few.
Call to action: Share something you are looking forward to in the new year… and share your goals with someone you know. You will have a high percentage of achievement when you do.
Thank you for being part of the “Move To Inspire” community. I am so honored for you to be here.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas holiday season and best wishes in the new year.
See you in 2023!
Quote of the Day: “Time dulls the memory.” George W. Bush
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.