Five Questions to Ask During the Transition to a New Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm a big fan of questions; to inquire, challenge, and inspire. Questions provide the fuel for reflection and the impetus for action.  And in this unique time of year where people are more willing to look back and look forward, these questions become especially powerful.

Today I share five questions with you – three that look back, and two that look forward – all designed to help you put action to the good intentions you likely have this time of the year. Grab a pen and a piece of paper (or your journal), or open a new document on your device. Ask yourself the questions, and start writing down your answers. Give yourself some time, because these questions are worthy of your consideration.

What Did I Accomplish?

It is always useful to look back and consider your accomplishments. Think about what you are proud of over the past year. Then lower the bar just a bit more – what else did you accomplish; even if not quite at the level you had hoped for. In other words, consider the accomplishment list in your eyes, and in the eyes of a third party who might remind you of things you overlooked.

When you review the list, you might have a variety of feelings. You might have immense pride about some items or even the full list. You might feel disappointment, as the list isn’t what you had hoped it would be. Whatever your feelings, notice them and then reflect on whether that is the feeling you want associated with your list at this time next year.

What Did I Learn?

There will likely be learning from the accomplishments, but I’m guessing when you reflect on this question, you will find there is much more you learned. Like the last question, don’t put a limit on this list. There may be things you previously knew, but had forgotten (or weren’t doing or using), that now you are applying. If so, put it on this list. This list isn’t just about brand new learning, but also re-learning that is having an impact on your life and results.

What Held Me Back?

Chances are you didn’t reach all your goals or accomplish everything you had hoped for in the past twelve months. This question lets you reflect on what dampened your results. This list could contain things you did or didn’t do, thoughts, habits or any number of things. Time spent identifying this list will be invaluable as you begin to look forward.

What Habit Change Will Aid Me Most?

You won’t get to your goals and aspirations in the coming year if you don’t change anything. Chances are there is one habit that you could alter, or replace that could have a significant impact on your results. This question challenges you to think about what that might be. The habit I'm cultivating in 2022 is to mindfully pause periodically instead of mindlessly rushing through the day.

Hopefully the answer will challenge you to implement that change, starting today.

What is My Focus Word or Phrase?

I am a big believer in having a word or  phrase that keeps me mindful of my highest and best use of time in the year ahead. Asking this question, and making that decision after asking and answering the previous five questions will help crystallize all of into your focus word.

Ask yourself: What word or phrase will move you and remind you of the feeling you have now? What word will help you create as much of the New Year as you have just described? What word will help you focus on how to best create the year you want to create? My phrase for 2022 is dancing with life. For me, dancing with life means learning to meet life with an equanimous response whether events are pleasant or unpleasant.

There are no perfect words or phrases here; just start writing words down as they come to you. At the end of the ten minutes, pick the one that is calling to you. You will want to “try this word or phrase on” and live with it for a day or so. Chances are if it doesn’t quite fit, you will identify a new, better word or phrase (whether from your original list or not) within a couple days. Just make sure that soon you do pick your focus word or phrase for the year.

To your greater success and fulfillment in 2022,

Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT

 

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