As 2020 comes to a close, and before we begin planning for 2021, let’s reflect on our actions, outcomes and accomplishments to date. It is time to face the evaluation mirror. What is the status of our 2020 New Year’s resolutions? Were they surpassed or missed? Are we excusing our performance because of the unusual type of year that it was? We know that historically out of the greatest obstacles comes opportunities for our greatest advancements. Did we take advantage of those occasions? Did we even recognize them?
For those accomplishments attained, let’s congratulate ourselves for a job well done. It is always important to celebrate, but let’s not sit on our laurels. There’s so much more to do just to maintain those accomplishments and more-so keep building.
Now study what strategies worked and which failed. Can they be repeated for more positive outcomes, or must new ones be developed and employed? What support do you need? Have you asked for it?
Where goals were not attained, let’s not beat-up ourselves but examine those shortfalls, delays and non-starts. Look for reasons (not excuses). Ask yourself why? Are the goals still worth pursuing – why and why not? Perhaps recalibration and restarting is the appropriate action. Or, perhaps the goal was problematic – too much of a dream, not realistic, or perhaps it was left on the shelf and not put into action, or was it otherwise faulty? What fears do you have and are avoiding?
So, now what? Now you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start over again – without repeating the same mistakes is what you do. You can either resume the original goal(s) or formulate and turn to other plan(s) that are more suitable to who you are now, and the needs of your clients, product(s) or services.
Having done this exercise completely, now you are ready to make 2021 resolutions and to build goals and objectives that are measurable, in the reasonable time-frame you will set. Make sure your 2021 builds on your 2020, aligns with your purpose and life mission, find an accountability partner/mentor (or two) and enlist the support you need to succeed!
submitted by Judith Mitchell.
