As we enter into a new year – it’s a great time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you’re going. Looking at what’s served you and what needs to be released to make room for new opportunities and ideas. This mental clearing is a good practice for remembering what’s important to you and how you want to utilize your gifts and talents in the coming year.
I’ve found that in going through life it’s easy to get caught in a rut – in a perpetual way of “being” that at first started out as a good thing but somewhere along the line it stopped being the best use of you and your talents. Or perhaps you got off track without even knowing it, working with the stuff that showed up but wasn’t necessarily truly aligned with your purpose and gifts.
So how do you get back on track? How can you make sure that what you’re doing is actually in alignment with who you are and what you have to offer the world?
The answer is simple but not always easy.
Here are 5 steps to help you get back on track for the New Year.
1. Pause. Take time out of your busy schedule and full life to get quiet. Find your own place and space to do this, away from distractions. Disconnect completely from your electronic world – cell phone, email, telephone, computer etc., just for a while.
2. Reflect. Look back over the last year and make a list of your accomplishments, what can you celebrate? Notice where you missed your mark as well. What could you have done differently? What lessons are here for you to take forward into the New Year with you? Write all of this down.
3. Remember. What is it that fills you with joy? Both personally and professionally? What activities light you up, use your gifts and talents fully and allow you to be of contribution to others in some way big or small? How can you bring more of these activities into your daily life and routine? Conversely, what activities drain your energy? What needs to be reconfigured or removed altogether?
4. Choose. What do you need to say ‘No’ to in order to make room for these activities? What do you need to say ‘Yes’ to in order to have more “On Purpose” moments in each day?
5. Practice. Practice getting quiet in each day to pause and reflect, ask for guidance and express your gratitude. Then go out into your world and contribute your talents, skills and wisdom to the best of your abilities. Each day is a new day to practice being On Purpose – aligning your work with your core values, talents and wisdom in such a way that not only fills you with joy but also leaves positive imprint on those around you.
Wishing you much happiness, good health and prosperity in 2012!
Happy New Year!
To Your Success~
Michele
