Tis the Season

I would like to ask a favor of you with only 26 days left in 2008. Take time to reflect.

Prepare to say goodnight to 2008 and good morning to 2009. Another year is about to leave us; too slow for some, but too fast for most. Some great things have happened for us in 2008 and some not so great. Where's the opportunity to learn from both? As you shop for the holiday gifts and close up anything that has to be done by December 31; don't forget to take a moment to review how your 2008 has gone.

Reflecting

Here is an exercise you can use to help you look back on 2008. First, start with two (2) separate sheets of paper (using the front and back of 1 sheet will not work. You will see why in moment). On top of the first sheet write, "Didn't go my way in '08." List all of the things that did not go right for you this year. On the top of the second sheet write, "Good stuff in '08."

Q:You expect me to remember what happened last January?

A: Ways to jog your memory -

One way to jog your memory is to reflect back month by month and jot down the things that come to mind. Don't limit yourself here. Think about all the people you met, the places you have gone, the places you didn't get to go, the people who have helped you, those who(m) you have helped. All the things you said you were going to do but didn't, sickness, bad habits, new discoveries, procrastination, accomplishments,etc. Also, review the info. in your everyday tools to assist your memory.

• Paper: Appointment book, Calendar, Journal, scrapbook


• Digital: mobile devices, digital photos, contact list


• People: call a couple of friends and family to help remind you when you shared: complaints, Joy, accomplishments, support needed, new discoveries and old habits with them in 2008.

Once you've done the brain dump and gather the info. you needed from your external sources, grab the sheet marked "Didn't go my way in '08" and get rid of it! Tear it up, shred it, burn it; get creative, but do not let it exist any longer.

Car Accident in '08

Now that that's out of the way let's grab that sheet that says, "Good stuff in '08." You got it? Now read through them aloud to yourself. When you are done, say, "I AM great-ful!" and give yourself a pat on the back, a hug or both [literally].

Learning to tie a bowtie

You have made it through another year and to quote emerson (with a little twist; he actually uses the word, "day." I've replaced it with "year."):

"Finish each year and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new year; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."
~ Ralph W. Emerson

Next week I will follow up with the planning portion of this message.

Prep Work: Start gathering some of your favorite magazines. They will come in handy for the planning stages.

Looking for assistance with one-on-one coaching to reflect and plan as we close out the year, ask me about my end of year goal setting coaching for my newsletter readers. Don't let 2009 be the same as 2008. As your coach I will assist you with clarifying what you want, why you want it and then identify a path for your to get it done. You do all the heavy lifting, but you also get all the muscles. Quit playing it safe! Give it try. bruny@runthepoint.com