Take yourself back to a year ago and consider where you were and where you have been:
- Are there any 2011 memories that are sapping your energy: Disappointments, resentments, or frustrations? Make it a point to feel them one last time and then let them go or make a plan to do something (if needed) and then let them go. “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
- What 2011 memories bring you laughter, joy, peace? Re-live them and possibly make a call or send a note to thank the person involved with that time or event that made a difference to you.
- How can you assure you continue to create these types of positive memories? “In the long run, men hit only what they aim at.” – Henry David Thoreau
- Which activities, people or items from 2011 will you strive to increase or get more of? “Tell me what you pay attention and I will tell you who you are.” – Jose Ortega y Gasset
- Is there something you would have liked to have started but didn’t? “It is not impossibilities which fill us with the deepest despair, but possibilities which we have failed to realize.” – Robert Mallett
- What will you reduce or stop that did not serve you well? “Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out – it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.”
– Robert ServiceTake a few moments to thoughtfully reflect each of these questions before you begin the flurry of goal setting for 2012. Your internalGPS will continue to work well (or work better) if you do.
Please comment with an insight you are willing to share as you reflect!
photo credit via flickr: Matt Seppings’ photo stream
