What did you learn in 2010?

Well, it’s that time of year again, when everyone seems to be talking of new year’s resolutions, setting goals for 2011 and all the changes they want to make. And why not, it’s as good a time as any? Although I do believe that we shouldn’t feel compelled or obliged just because of the date on the calendar. Nor should we focus so much on the future that we forget about the here and now ;-)

One thing I notice though, which might partly explain why so many new year’s resolutions fall by the wayside, is that so many of us seem to declare our intentions without giving much thought to actually changing what we are doing and how we are being.

It reminds me of a friend who, at the start of each year would ceremoniously pin up on the fridge door her top 10 goals for the coming year, and more often than not she’d take down the list on December 31st with barely a tick on there! Living proof perhaps of the old adage “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always had”.

So before racing off into the future with a renewed sense of enthusiasm this January, why not take a little time for reflection and make sure you’re not sabotaging your best efforts?

Whilst I’m not usually a fan of dwelling in the past, there are certainly times when it’s important to look back and learn from what’s gone before. And now would seem to be one of those times. To avoid repeating old mistakes or overlooking valuable lessons here are a few questions to help you review the past 12 months and create a happy and successful 2011.

* What were your greatest successes in 2010?
* What were you doing, what can you learn and how can you build on that success in 2011?
* What were your highlights or special moments of 2010?
* How can you create more of these in 2011?
* What are your 3 biggest lessons from 2010? (professional)
* What are your 3 biggest lessons from 2010? (personal)
* How can you learn from these and what will you do differently in 2011?
* How did you limit yourself or hold yourself back in 2010?
* How will you make sure this doesn’t happen in 2011?
* What 3 words best describe your experience of 2010?
* What 3 words do you want to describe your experience of 2011?
* In order to accomplish all that you desire for 2011, what and how do you need to change?

And remember, "The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it" Thomas S Monson

Wishing you the very best for the coming year
Have fun
Dx