As we end the year, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and think about your hopes for next year. We don’t know about you, but as we review our goals and plans from this year, our first inclination is to notice what we didn’t accomplish.  However, we are challenging ourselves– and you – to focus the end of this year on what you DID accomplish! Think about those things that really went well and celebrate! Join us as we focus on 3 ways to celebrate successes at the end of this year!

1. Reflect and Ask. You may have a list of goals where some are partially accomplished.  Rather than focusing on what you didn’t accomplish, reflect on what you DID accomplish!  Also, spend some time reflecting on what else worked well this year. Think of successes you may have had related to things you never planned to do this year.  If you are struggling a little with finding those successes, ask a close friend, family member or colleague to remind you of the successes they see in your life from this year. Jennifer recently had a meeting with my mentoring committee (side note – WE HIGHLY recommend seeking out mentors in every season of life).  As Jennifer was asking for their insight in goal setting and sharing her struggles in meeting some goals, they highlighted SEVERAL really great things that she had been able to accomplish. They emphasized the gifts, skills and experience that have been extremely valuable to others. She began that conversation feeling shame about the goals she didn’t fully accomplish and ended the conversation really excited about her successes in the past and hope for the future!

2. Write them down.  After reflecting and asking for feedback, write down your successes.  Write it somewhere (on paper or electronically) that you can reference sometime next year when you might be getting a bit discouraged and need a reminder of successes. Use these successes to plan for next year. While it can be important to consider what didn’t work well, I challenge you this year to focus on what DID and build upon that success for next year.

3. Do something fun! Find a way to celebrate your successes in a way that you see as fun.  This doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but it is important to acknowledge and celebrate what worked this year!  Maybe go out for a special dinner, have some friends over for a game night, go hiking, biking or skiing, take a trip to a favorite destination, read a book just for fun, go shopping with a friend, bake your favorite cookies (or ask someone else to bake your favorite cookies) or take an entire weekend to completely rest and unplug!  Make it special for you!

What are you going to do to celebrate your success from this year