Resolution or as I Like to Call it….Reflection
This time of year as with most people I set goals and resolutions going into the new year. I also take a moment to reflect on years prior. How did I do last year compared to the year prior? I have developed a simple exercise that I do at two different times of the year, my birthday and New Years. I breakdown my reflection into different categories. The categories can be anything that you feel is important to your overall wellbeing. Mine are based on the areas I continually want to improve on. Some are big items, some are simple small steps to an ultimate larger goal.
I used to do resolutions and make grand plans for changing the things in my life that I didn’t like. Of course in those resolutions was “lose weight”, “eat healthier”, “be a better person”. But I would set out with the best intentions and usually after a week to 10 days I would find that I didn’t keep my resolutions. I then felt like a failure and continued on the same as the year prior.
So instead of trying to totally change myself each year I decided to take a more metered approach. An example of this would be my health. Last year at this time I drank almost a 2 liter of diet soda pop each day. So last year instead of making the wide swooping resolution of “lose weight”. I decided to try to make a healthy change. I am proud to say that as of today I do not drink any soda pop on a daily basis. I do treat myself to one every once in awhile. But I drink regular soda pop, no diet. So that is one I can add to the “success” list.
The object is to phrase the question in a way so that if the answer to any of them is “no”. Those are the areas that you need to work on. From there you craft your resolution into the new year. This may be for some an over simplification. I however, have found it to work well for me and not deter me from continuing to improve.
Business/Work
Did I accomplish the things I set out to do? Was I a better leader in 2016 versus 2015? Did I meet my sales goals? Did my company do better operationally as well as financially? Was I fair with staff? Have I seen growth in my employees? Have I stayed true to myself and my values?
Home and Personal Relationships
Are my relationships with friends and family better? Do I have a better relationship with my kids? My spouse? Am I less judgmental? Do I do what I tell others I am going to do? Am I fair? Have I improved my house and household?
What About Me?
Am I happier today compared to last year at this time? Did I do things well? Did I accomplish my goals? Have I improved my health and routine? Did I take time for myself and self improvement? Did I exercise routinely? Am I healthier today than this time last year? The books that I have read, have I done what they have recommended? Has it improved me and my outlook on life? Can I be better? Am I too hard on myself?
If the answer to any of those questions was “no”. That is when I take the time to craft my resolution to address whatever didn't go according to plan. The hardest part of this is being honest with yourself. You must be fair and reasonable.
Originally published at blog.heidentechnology.com. For more business ideas, thoughts, and insights connect with Carl on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked In.
