PurpleLine Consulting

How was 2009 for you?

So many people have commented to me how quickly the last year has flown by – and I have noticed that myself. And what did 2009 bring for you?

A new year is on the horizon – and this offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year and plan for the next one. Last year I received lots of positive feedback about my questions for the end of the year - an approach to reviewing and learning from this year and for planning for 2010. So here they are again.

An hour spent doing this will be much more useful to you than making resolutions which are often forgotten or guilt-inducing by the end of January!

1. What did I learn? Think about what you have learned during 2009. This could be through training, new work or life generally from which you have gained new knowledge or experience.

2. What was my greatest accomplishment? It is important to acknowledge our achievements and this provides a healthy way to raise levels of self confidence and contentment. It’s also a great way to track our accomplishments.

3. What’s the number one thing to accomplish in 2010? In these days of credit crunch and uncertainty, it’s very helpful to have something positive to focus on. Maybe it’s building up a nest egg to give you more choices in your life, a career challenge or more time with your family. Whatever it is, this will give you something to focus on and work towards – that’s within YOUR control.

4. What have I struggled with in 2009 which might also affect 2010? Another learning point – acknowledging things we’ve struggled with helps equip us to deal more effectively with them in the future.

5. What was this year’s biggest time waster? Whatever it is, identify ways of reducing it, including setting up strategies to spend your time productively in 2010.

6. What are my top 3 goals for the next 3 years? If you know what you want, you’ll find ways to achieve it. Set yourself some realistic goals and notice how much faster you achieve them than you thought you would.

7. How have my actions in 2009 taken me closer to achieving those goals? Review what you’ve achieved in 2009 and how much closer you are now compared to this time last year. It will provide momentum to work towards them even more effectively next year.

8. What am I looking forward to in 2010? The answer can provide you with a source of motivation. If you can’t think of anything, set aside some time to do so.

9. What am I most grateful for? This helps to keep things in perspective and is something we should not lose sight of.

10. If I knew I only had one week to live, who would I spend my time with? This is a helpful reminder of who matters to us most. Life is short ... spend time with those you care about.

These questions also work on a weekly basis – just substitute this week and next week for this year and next year. Give yourself the gift of self reflection and spend some time answering these questions – you’ll be glad you did.

And if you’re interested in making 2010 your best year yet, look out for the coaching programme I am launching at the start of 2010 to help you realise your work and career goals. Contact me now to find out about an earlybird offer.

On the blog this month:

Would you pass the leadership test? Answer these questions to assess whether you have what it takes.

Eight ways to kill an idea – an innovative way of getting an important message across.

Some interesting links:

How to survive in an unhappy workplace – strategies for getting the best out of this situation.

Why multi-tasking is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and all you wish for in 2010 – personally and professionally.

Till next month,

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