…when you’re dealing with disappointment when everyone else is celebrating.
Sometimes the year finishes all too soon, with goals incomplete, and disappointments scattered around you like the gift-wrapping after Christmas lunch.
If you’re familiar with my writing or speaking, you know I’m passionate about celebrating. Reflecting on accomplishments and celebrating learning is incredibly valuable. It’s not always easy, and even more important at these times. I know many people who are completing 2009 with a sense of “Thank God this year is over! I don’t want to think about it again.”
It may have been a really, really tough year, so let’s have a look at what there is to celebrate… come with me on a journey of discovery. (It’s been a tough year for me, but the outcomes are amazing!)
Did you do something for the first time this year?
Did you meet someone new who opened your eyes to new ideas or opportunities?
Did you step outside your comfort zone? What do you now do, or know, that was once outside of your reach?
Did you set a goal that scared you because it was ‘bigger than ever’? How did you go? Whether you reached it yet or not, what did you learn?
What do you now have, or what do you know as a result of tackling this goal?
How did you handle the challenges that came up this year? (Never mind if it wasn’t as well as you would’ve liked, but did you handle things better than a previous time)
What would the most encouraging, sincere friend be saying to you if you discussed the above with them?
It’s so important to find opportunities to give yourself a pat on the back. It increases your awareness, expands your creativity and your confidence, and can even increase your energy – how useful is that at this time of year!
If you keep noticing the things you aren’t so proud of, acknowledge them and put them aside… you might need to remind yourself that it’s time to silence the inner critic and see what else is there that the critic has been ignoring.
Personally, I’m really looking forward to a week to reflect on this year, which feels a bit of a haze at the moment as I’m more fatigued than I’ve been for a long time, so I’m going to start by going through my calendar month by month, noting the events.
I know I will realise that I’ve traveled extensively, met amazing people each time that I am grateful to have connected with. Some have been dear friends for a long time, some are new connections.
I know I will find many new experiences, and moments where I jumped out of the comfort zone which resulted in great learning and more opportunities.
I know I’ll find moments where I surprised myself, and insights that will jump off the pages and excite and inspire me.
I know I’ll be grateful for each coaching journey I’ve taken with clients and in awe of the difference it’s made for them. Actually reading their testimonials speaks volumes to me…
Are you seeing how this could look for you?
What will you do to celebrate your accomplishments – and the fact that you’ve arrived at the end of this year? See yourself crossing the finish line… You made it!!! Well done! Start with the simple things – pen and paper – and go for it!!!
Now go and have a real celebration, no need to put a smile on – the happiness and confidence will come from the inside out!
Cheering you on,
Kerrie
PS. Please leave a comment with your thoughts, especially if you’d like to be notified when I actually do my list (I know it’s going to take a while!) – I’m happy to share some of it with anyone who would find it useful to see an example.
When I was in New Zealand a few years ago, I stood at the top of a water slide called “the coffin” because once you let go of the top, you were plunged into absolute darkness, speeding down (and around in unexpected directions). My brother-in-law said to me “this is the scariest one” and I stood waiting for the green light and realised that I felt scared. It was so easy to take on what he said, which was just how that slide was known. My thought “I’m actually a bit scared” was followed by “What! You just did a bungy-jump last week!” and all of a sudden the anxiety was gone, replaced by confidence and anticipation. A scary idea? Bring it on, I’ve tackled some of those before – and come out the other side with a great sense of accomplishment and valuable learning.
