Confucius says that there are three methods of gaining wisdom.
“The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest and the third is experience which is the bitterest.”
The end of 2015 is here and one of the useful practices that I have adopted is to reflect on the past year and see whether you have achieved your outcomes and where the gaps and room for improvement are.
Here are some coaching questions to help you with your end of year reflection:
- On a scale of 1-10 how do you feel overall about this year?
- What were the three biggest lessons you learned in the past year?
- What is one way to incorporate these lessons into your life?
- Review how you spent your time and what your priorities were for the year?
- Were you happy with this? If not, what steps can you take this coming year to adjust them?
- What and who are you especially grateful for this year?
- How have you changed? Are you different from last year?
- Have you sustained any new habits and have they become part of your lifestyle?
- What three things can you improve on next year?
- What concrete action steps can you take to work on these improvements?
After answering these questions, you will have a good idea of where you are at. The next part of this exercise is to plan your roadmap by setting at least three goals and outcomes you wish to achieve in 2016.Make these goals realistic and set a time frame.
Start the process by:
- Taking a look at your career and life plan and identifying your unique strengths and talents. Are your choices aligned with your strengths and values?
- Moving out of your comfort zone by stretching the boundaries-don’t limit yourself because it’s comfortable and don’t be afraid of change.
- Setting short, medium and long term goals and then breaking them down into small achievable steps that will ensure success along the way.
- Taking action by starting to make changes immediately-Remember procrastination is the thief of time.
- Reviewing and re-evaluating your goals regularly as things change and new opportunities crop up.
- Being open and flexible to learning new things and looking at things from alternate perspectives.
Last but not least, be kind to yourself and acknowledge your skills and talents. Celebrate your achievements and triumphs of 2015 and consider what you learned from the past year’s challenges. Sometimes the things we worried about a year ago are insignificant now, and it’s time to move on.
Carl Brand says it beautifully:
“Although no one can make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
So what are you waiting for? “Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” (Thank you Dr.Seuss).
Wishing you all a fabulous summer break. Until 2016.