This time of year, “best of” lists are abundant—from movies to cookbooks to comics and more. One of my annual favorites is from NPR’s All Songs Considered. I’ve been a fan for years and always enjoy comparing my picks with theirs.
This year, give yourself the gift of reflecting on your “best of” and appreciating all that’s good in your life. As I was writing this, it became crystal clear that the things that made 2018 so good weren’t things at all. They were people and the relationships that made my life feel full and rich.
As you reflect, ask yourself:
- Which people in my life contributed to my happiness and success in 2018?
- Whom do I wish I had seen more of?
- Which partnerships were most fruitful?
- What am I most proud of—and who helped me along the way?
- What are my big learnings from this past year?
- What and whom am I grateful for and appreciating?
- What is there for me to acknowledge about myself in 2018?
Overall, what do you see as you reflect on 2018? How would you rate this year on a scale of 1–10, and what would have made it a 10 out of 10?
Now, let’s look ahead.
- What excites you about the coming year?
- What are your key goals and objectives for 2019? Who will help you achieve them?
- Where and how do you want to stretch yourself in 2019?
- Which people in your life will help you make 2019 a 10 out of 10 year—both personally and professionally?
Is there a possible theme for the year that could serve as a structure and anchor to lock in a resonant 2019? A song? Movie? Perhaps a book, a poem—or even a person. Let me know, and happy new year!
What if you reframed these resolutions and created intentions? It’s a well-proven fact that you get more of what you focus on, so why not focus on what you want instead of what you don’t want? Oh, and don’t try to do everything at once. Give yourself the opportunity to focus on one change at a time. Small wins add up.
Why not start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about good things that happen—as they happen? Then on New Year’s Eve, empty the jar and recall the year’s best moments.
