The promise of a new year brings with it so many possibilities, doesn't it? It reminds us to set goals, to clarify priorities, to challenge the status quo in our personal and professional life, while also being mindful of the mindset that we choose to embrace.
As leaders, this is a great time of the year to connect with your team, share expectations, and inject new life into your routines. Read on for a few tips on how best to make the most out of this fresh, new year.
Start by looking back. Take some time to review the past year. Reflect on some of the following questions:
What worked?
What didn't?
Was there a system you wanted to try, but never got around to it?
What disciplines did you want to implement into your life that you didn't get a chance to try?
What relationships need to be strengthened?
The transition into the new year is the perfect time to make changes, to set new expectations, and try something new. So do look back, be critical and really honest with yourself around your processes, tasks, and relationships within your personal and professional spheres.
Challenge yourself and your team. When you have had a chance to reflect on the past year, consider what would be a bold, audacious challenge that you can set for yourself and your team for 2021? Remember to focus on all areas of your life: professional, personal, health, learning and growth, business, etc. Your ability to respond with agility during these unprecedented times will require you to continue to develop a mindset that is resolute, composed, dynamic, outgoing and receptive. So, go ahead and tackle that big project that seems so daunting, be bold and pitch an important client, attend a workshop or training that can provide you with new skills. Take the steps that will help you move forward on those bold challenges.
Learn to let go. This one is more important that you may realize. As you reflect on the previous year, don't get hung up on what you may perceive as "failures." I read in Costco Connection the other day that the acronym for FAIL is First Attempts in Learning. Gracefully learn from the past, and use it as a learning tool for the future. Focus forward with clear intentions and a strong vision for the year you'd like to have.
So, how will you challenge yourself or your team this year?
