How Was Your Year?

I’m a planner. I’m a goal-setter. There is no question or doubt that I am getting ready to finalize my goals for 2016 – however, I also make time to reflect and review the year that is coming to an end.

I believe it’s important to celebrate my achievements to day – to pay attention to the lessons learned – to identify what I will continue to do, stop doing and start doing. All of this sets me up for a really great new year.

As I sat in peace and quiet this week, I was reading a magazine that had a series of really great questions – here is my version of those questions that I really enjoyed and wanted to share with you, too.

1. WHEN DID I PERSIST?
This past year presented a lot of challenges for me, both personally and professionally. Because I do journal each day, it was easy for me to reflect on this question. Where and when did I persist? Where and when would it have been easier to just quit? What did it take to get past and through the challenges – and strengthen this particular skill of persistence? What about you? And what did this teach you? The beauty of this, for me, is that I know now the benefit of getting ‘to the other side’ of the challenge – and that when I do it once, I can do it again.

2. DID I STRETCH MY COMFORT ZONE AND GET PAST FEAR?
If you are anything like me, you can easily remember the times over the past year when fear raised its ugly head. I clearly remember what I now call my ‘miracle in Myrtle Beach’ – the time when I went out on a paddleboard and did yoga. Phew! Being on, or in, water has never been my most favorite thing – in fact, I’ve avoided it more than anything. The miracle in Myrtle Beach occurred because of the loving and expert guidance of Maribeth Mackenzie, a colleague and Yoga CEO – who I trust implicitly. Because I gave the power of my word – I followed through. That makes a huge difference as I set goals for 2016 to once again stretch my comfort zone and get past a certain fear. It makes me feel strong. I like that feeling. You?

3. WAS IT ALL HARD WORK?
Absolutely not! I believe in boundaries. I believe in balance. I believe in having fun. I also believe that life is short. So, yes, I worked very hard in 2015 – in fact, it was probably my most difficult and hardest year in business. But it wasn’t ALL about the hard work. There are times in the year, in my business cycle, when YES it is all about hard work. There are also times in the business cycle that I know I can kick back and really enjoy life – such as now, at Christmas. I’ve been in the moment. I’ve enjoyed pots of tea sitting with my friend’s dog. I’ve enjoyed sleeping in. Has your year been all about hard work? What needs to change?

4. HOW DID I DEAL WITH FAILURE?
There were failures this year. I do set lofty goals all the time and don’t always expect to achieve them – I do celebrate the effort that I put into reaching those goals, however. I love the ‘stretch’ I feel when going after those goals. And there are failures. I try different things. I take risks. I fail. How did I deal with them? I journal the feelings and the emotions. I journal the outcomes and the decisions that result from them. I bounce back well. I learned the skill of resiliency and flexibility from my mentor, Lou Tice, many years ago. They have served me well. Where have you failed and what did you learn?

5. WHO SUPPORTED ME THIS YEAR?
If there is one thing I know for sure, as an entrepreneur especially, it’s that I cannot do this alone. Who did I lean on? My annual Wealth Makers event was the biggest challenge for me this year – whatever could go wrong, did! And, in many instances, the ‘wrongs’ were quite big and had significant impact on my business – resulting in many restless nights, questioning my skills, my abilities, my decisions, my efforts. I leaned heavily on my team for the business aspects. I leaned heavily on my friends, Wanda and Marg, who always have a loving shoulder and a kind word. I leaned heavily on my faith. I leaned heavily on my trainer who kept me focused on my physical fitness and nutrition. I leaned ……..lots. What about you? Are you still struggling to do it all yourself? How’s that working for you?

6. WHAT WOULD I HAVE MISSED HAD I NOT LIVED IN 2015?
I like to separate this into 3 segments, as I often do when setting goals.

Personally – I would have missed the opportunity to take a business trip with my step-daughter, Kristy, last March. We had never been away, alone, together in the 35 years I have been in her life. This was a very special experience for me – we talked, we laughed, we learned, we had great experiences. It was very special to me- and will remain the highlight of my year for 2015.

Professionally – I had the best year ever when it came to growing the business, generating sales, hosting my BEST EVER 3-day event in Toronto for entrepreneurs, hosting my TV show, being mentored by one of the best in the world, Larry Winget.

Organizationally – I made some tough business decisions this year when it came to the business. I have an amazing team in place now – AND have maintained great relationships with those who are no longer on my team. I take pride in my leadership abilities and skills in that regard. I would have missed the opportunity to put all my skills, talents, expertise and heart into play had I not been around in 2015.

My message in all of this is to live in the NOW. Take chances. Take risks. Be connected. Be present. Live your best life – it’s the only one we have.

What question impacts you the most today?