Five things Successful People Do at the Begining of the Year
Throughout the year there are many moments of transition. The change of seasons, religious holidays, or even the end of the fiscal year, serve as moments to shift focus. A collective transitional point is the beginning of the calendar year. The changing of the calendar year provides all of us with a time to reflect, reframe, and reset. Successful people use the slower pace at the end of the year with intention. Here are five ways you can maximize the first few days of the year to be ready for what the new year brings.
Take time to rest and recover. Our fast-paced culture does not leave a lot of time for R&R. The end of the year is a time that many industries slow down. Even if you have to punch in during the holidays, do some things that are just for you.Eat well, catch up on sleep, and connect with friends. Taking care of yourself makes you more productive professionally and happier in your personal life.
Reflect on growth and accomplishment. It’s really easy to think about all of the things you didn’t get to during the year. Successful people often think about the strengths and successes and consider ways to build on them. Take a moment to write down your accomplishments for the year and consider the hard work, dedicate, and sometimes, sheer luck, that went into make those strides. Consider how you might maximize these successes into the new year.
Limit the number of goals to have the year. It’s easy to go overboard with goal setting. Stick with 2-3 big goals for the new year, so you’re not overwhelmed or facing disappointment at the end of next year. Successful people set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely). SMART goals help us be successful in the pursuit of our goals. Sometimes, setting just goal or behavior change aspiration is most helpful. Setting goals like “limit complaining” or “make more time for family and friends” has such a profound impact across all aspects of your life, you only need the one goal to see significant positive change.
Express gratitude. No accomplished person got to where they are by themselves. The new year and the holiday season is a great time to thank your mentors and biggest fans for supporting you. Successful people don’t forget the people who opened a door or provided good counsel along the way. Letting people know that you appreciate them through a meal, a coffee date or even a note of thanks goes a long way. Not only does it articulate your appreciation, but it also serves as a humble reminder that you aren’t in this alone.
Visualize success in the future. While reflecting on what happened this year, put on paper what you would like to see in your reflection the next year. Consider what you want your resume or performance review to say next year. Get creative and make a vision board of activities and adventures you would like to take. Successful people often believe that if they can imagine it, they can make it happen