The beauty of a New Year is the feeling of a fresh start. The old is behind us and we can choose to let go of regrets. In fact we are inspired to review and renew. But how to begin and what to focus on?
One way to begin is to focus on what went well, the wins of the prior year. What stands out as something you are proud of, thrilled that happened, couldn’t live without? Perhaps you finished a long term project which brought you new opportunities or joy. Maybe you were recognized for your innovation, leadership or creativity. Perhaps you finally mastered a new tech tool. Whatever it is, write down the wins of the year past, small or large.
What do the wins tell you? They probably reflect your values. We tend to honor those things we value. For example, if recognition is important to you, an award or bonus will count as a win. If family is a value, a reunion with your relatives will be one of your wins.
Our wins also reflect our personal mission: why we are here. If feeding hungry people is your mission, then progress in that area constitutes a win for you.
Once you have your wins and their significance, you can design a thread that continues into the New Year. What do you want to continue, have more of? What do you want to substitute? June was a writer who completed her book and tour in 2013. While that was a professional accomplishment and very satisfying, this year she wants to switch gears and express herself in a different way.
It’s common for our interests and passions to evolve. We may choose to keep 80% of our routine, but bring in 20% of something new. The new could be in the area of work, relationships, play, health, giving back, adventure, creativity, spirituality, or learning. What do you want to try on? It’s like shopping and trying on new shoes. What’s going to fit for you? What have you been missing as you scan your current level of satisfaction with life?
For Roger it was missing creative expression. His career involved analytic thinking and Roger longed for a break from his left brain focus. He was a lover of sculpture and wondered what it would be like to get his hands on some wood. So for the New Year, he enrolled in a woodworking class. Now Roger is finding new energy and passion in his craft. He’s meeting new people, leaving work on time, and feeling great satisfaction seeing immediate and tangible results.
What’s calling you? Sometimes we are overweighted in certain areas of our life: too much work, not enough activity. Too much family, not enough friends. Too much head, not enough heart.
Marc Freedman author of “The Dangerous Myth of Reinvention” points out that a complete life reinvention isn’t needed. Rather we can continue to build on who we already are. By heeding the lessons learned from our successes and failures, we increase our self respect and compassion.
So what are the lessons learned from last year? What stands out as the best investment in yourself? Was it education, a relationship, a challenge, a new adventure, a contact, or a new skill? When an investment pays you back in self understanding, satisfaction, clarity, connection, or wisdom, it is a valuable one.
So choose wisely as to where you want to use the precious commodity of time in the New Year. One year from now, what will bring you a smile as you look back?
“The chief beauty about time is that you cannot waste it in advance. The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you, as perfect, as unspoiled, as if you had never wasted or misapplied a single moment in all your life. You can turn over a new leaf every hour if you choose.” Arnold Bennett
Here are some ways to get started:
Identify your wins
What values are expressed?
Design a ritual to represent what you let go of and take on
Take the first step within two weeks
Happy beginnings and see you on the path!
