How are you different?
I love doing an annual reflection and wanted to share some of my favorite prompts with you. I got this idea a few weeks ago and since then have received newsletter after newsletter with similar ideas.
So, my idea isn't unique 😅. That's ok. I want to share these with you anyway in case you're craving some reflection.
There can be a lot of hype around this time of year, with so much pressure to set ambitious resolutions and make big changes, New year, new you, ya know? That energy works for some people, and doesn't for others.
I am some where in between - I love how the calendar gives us a nice and tidy timeframe within which to reflect, but I don't believe in or want to put pressure on myself to become an entirely new person on Jan. 1st.
I have done an “annual review" with my coaching friends for the past three years, and love it. We reflect on the previous year and year ahead. Our conversations culminate in a one-word or short-phrase intention for the year to come.
I've found that instead of a moonshot goal, a simple intention keeps me focused over the course of the year. In 2022, my word was “Expansion” as I knew I had a lot of changes coming and wanted to lean into the growth. It was not an accident that that year culminated in me deciding to leave my job.
In 2023, my phrase was “Trust + Expand.” I wanted to keep up the expansion energy as I knew I had to keep stepping out of my comfort zone to grow my business. And, I really had to trust that it was all going to work.
I am still working on my 2024 intention, but it is definitely going to include “Trust” as I continue to grow my business and make some other big moves.
If you want to do a similar exercise, here are a few of my favorite questions:
To reflect on 2023…
What am I proud of?
How am I different?
What did I learn?
What didn't go as I thought?
What do I need to leave in 2023?
To prepare for 2024…
How will I grow?
What qualities do I want to amp up?
What is one thing I won't leave 2024 without?
Fast forward to Dec. 2024, how am I different?
Based on the above, what is my intention? This is the word or phrase that will guide you through opportunities, challenges and decisions
If you're eager for more learning, inspiration or reflection to prep for the new year, here are a few reads and listens I've been enjoying recently:
To read: “The Good Enough Job” by Simone Stolzoff is the book I wish I wrote. The author explores why we, millennials, care so much about our jobs and how to reset our relationship with work.
To listen: “On Our Best Behavior,” by Elise Loehnen on the “Be There in Five” podcast. The author explains how social conditioning impacts how we operate as women. Her book is dense, so I recommend listening to this interview to get her key points.
To listen: “Rejection is Redirection” on the Expanded podcast. The title says it all, but wow, what a powerful rethinking of rejection. This is one of my favorite listens of 2023, but I'll add a woo-woo alert as this podcast deep-dives into manifestation and energy.
To listen: If you want a masterclass in personal growth podcasts, grab this list of 23 podcasts curated by coach extraordinaire, Amy Groome, to “get you curious, spark ideas, inspire creativity, and calm your inner critic.”
To reflect: Makayla Davis and Jen Gupta, two coaches and members of this community, created a simple daily journaling exercise that I have been loving: capture three things you're celebrating, are grateful for and are dreaming about. It is the perfect, quick way to start each day.
Enjoy your reflection and exploration! Let me know what your intention for the year is as I would love to cheer you on as you make it a reality.
That's all for 2023. We start every family meal by sharing what we are grateful for (h/t to my mom for this special tradition). I will be sharing my gratitude for you, as I am so appreciative of your support, whether it is reading this, cheering me on on LinkedIn or making a connection. Thank you for making this such a special year.
