Life can be so busy, demanding and hectic at this time of year. As a result, it’s very easy to overlook taking some time to pause and reflect on the past year and review our progress and growth.

The end of the year also provides a great opportunity to celebrate your successes and achievements and all there is to be grateful for. Spending time in this area helps to provide some good positive energy to carry into the New Year. Reflecting and also planning what you would like to achieve and experience in the New Year is a great discipline to follow.

Prior to the start of the New Year I recommend that you spend some quiet time to think about:-

  • What has been great about the year
  • Lessons you have learned
  • Get clarity on what any challenges have taught you
  • What you are grateful for in life

To prepare and plan for 2017, I suggest that you take a notebook and set aside a few hours to work through a series of questions and jot down your responses. You don’t have to answer the questions in one session. As an alternative, you may wish to divide the process into bite sized chunks over a week. Choose which method fits best with your schedule and other priorities.

I recommend that you take out your notebook and review your progress throughout the forthcoming year (normally at the end of each quarter). Personally, I find the following questions to be useful when reviewing the year and planning for the forthcoming one.

Review of the past year:

  • What has been great about this year and what are my top 5 highlights?
  • What have been the smartest decisions that I have made?
  • How have I grown and developed?
  • What gave me the greatest happiness?
  • What do I want to celebrate about this year?
  • What lessons have I learned and what have my challenges taught me?
  • What do I need to let go of from the past year?
  • What am I grateful for in my life?

Planning for the forthcoming year:

  • What would I like to celebrate at the end of next year?
  • What are my main personal and professional goals in the forthcoming year?
  • What are my financial goals for the forthcoming year?
  • What steps do I need to take to improve/maintain my health and fitness?
  • What can I do to improve my relationships?
  • What would I like to add, change or eliminate from my daily routine?
  • What plans do I have to grow, develop and learn?
  • What steps can I take to increase my happiness?
  • How can I increase the amount of fun that I have?

I hope that 2017 is a First Class one for you and is full of good health, happiness and abundance. Have fun reflecting on the past year and planning an outstanding new one!

Enjoy the New Year celebrations and see you in January 2017!

This week’s quotation:

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing we would truly astound ourselves.” Thomas Edison.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk