This is a common time of year to make plans for the future and trust me, I am a huge fan of goal-setting, but before you get there I want to encourage you to do one thing: Look back.
Specifically, look over 2021 and count your wins. I know it was a rough year. I know you didn’t achieve all that you hoped you would. I’m sure it’s not hard to count the losses, the mistakes, the times you fell short.
But what about the wins? It doesn’t have to be the kind of win that you would post on LinkedIn, but what did you do well? What difficult thing did you handle as best you could? Who did you show up for when they needed it? How did you prioritize your family? Your team? Yourself?
When we celebrate our wins, we sustain ourselves and set ourselves up for future success. That “attaboy” or “attagirl” releases endorphins (the happy hormones) which reduce pain and stress and increase our sense of well-being and self-esteem. Counting our wins also tells our brains that what we’re doing is worthwhile. When we work without end and don’t celebrate our successes along the way, it’s really hard to sustain enthusiasm for what we’re doing. We burn out, just start going through the motions.
So take some time to think over the things you accomplished this year. Write them out if you can. Better, start a Google doc or a file on your Notes App where you write down your successes, so you can add to them over time. Simple things are great, but be specific: “I did an awesome job on that presentation.” “I helped John get his report done on time.” “I gave myself a morning off to do nothing when I needed it.”
You’re carrying a lot, and I’m sure you have much you want to do in 2022. Taking a moment now to think through the great things you’ve done in the past will help you feel better today and continue your great work in the days and months to come. Best of luck, my friends. And happy new year!