This is the time of year we think strategically about next year – both at work and home. Next year budgeting, New Year’s resolutions, and the list goes on.
However, in order to think about next year, we need to review this past year. In my experience, average leaders do not review their prior year. They assume the good events will ‘just keep on happening’. Pride creeps in as if they ‘have it figured out’. As, it t\hey etched it into their brain. As for bad things that happened, they brush it off. Thinking that it won’t happen again. It was somebody else’s fault.
Whereas, great leaders review both the good and bad in their life. What can they learn from the good events so they can optimize going forward? When they review the bad, what can they do to make sure it does not happen again?
What, So What, and Now What.
Some of you have your ‘go-to’ reflection tool to use, yet some may not. We at Five Capitals find the ‘What, So What, Now What’ tool to be very effective. I have done this with most of my clients so far this year, as well as my own 2019.
What?
What happened in 2019? The good, the bad, the ugly. Just list it all out. Brain dump. Got promoted, got fired. Lost 10 pounds, gained 10 pounds. Vacations. Work assignments that stick out. New friendships or partnerships. New milestones.
List out at least 3 good things and 3 bad things that happened this year. All of the good events don’t have to be firework worthy, nor do the bad have to be devastating.
So, What?
Based on those events you just listed, how have you changed mentally? What is your new mindset, or perspective going forward? Where are you more confident? Something bad may have happened over this past year, yet you made it through, so a feeling of protection or provision. You took some risks this year at your job and they worked, so now you have confidence and boldness moving forward.
Now, What?
In light of your new mindset, what rhythms and habits will you implement for 2020? Will you take on some riskier projects at work? What areas will you be bolder? Will you workout, read, or write three times a week? Where are you looking to get more involved and engaged due to the fruit of this last year?
Also, Write it down.
Science shows that writing down your goals you are 3x more likely to reach them.
As always, thanks for reading.
Cory
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