Your Year in Review: How to set yourself up for success in 2022
Stop, take a breath and relax. You’ve made it to the finish line!
As we count down the final days to Christmas and conclusion of another unforgettable year, I’ve been reflecting on this time 12 months ago.
After a challenging year, we were feeling hopeful about 2021. Looking forward to things going ‘back to normal’. But unexpectedly, we’ve navigated even more uncertainty on a global level this year.
For me, 2021 was a year of significant learning and growth. Full of twists and turns, huge highs and lots of lows. At times it tested my patience — and pushed me well outside my comfort zone.
How are you feeling as we finish December?
If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re feeling exhausted and ready for a break. So enjoy the Christmas period and give yourself time to rest.
But before you close the chapter on 2021, I invite you to take time during the holidays to reflect on your year and career — and what you want in 2022.
In this week’s article, I share a simple exercise to help you review your year. Discover four questions to reflect on your successes, learnings and prepare for 2022.
QUESTION #1 – WHAT ARE YOU CELEBRATING?
Every January, we set our big goals and intentions for the coming year. Then, we work hard to achieve them and focus on ticking them off our list as fast as possible. But so often, we rush from one goal to the next, without taking the time to honour the milestones along the way.
The key to creating greater fulfillment in your personal and professional life? Acknowledging and celebrating your success.
Start by asking yourself —
- What am I celebrating this year?
- What were the highlights — goals or results reached in your business, career and life?
- Were there any big challenges you overcame?
Make a list of everything you’re celebrating. Then, highlight the top 2-3 achievements or successes you’re most proud of in 2021 and why they’re important to you.
QUESTION #2 – WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING?
What did you learn in 2021? Think about the mistakes you made or (many) things that didn’t go to plan.
Remember, even if something you attempted this year wasn’t successful, you can never be a failure. To fail means you had the courage to try something out, push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn and grow. We learn from our mistakes so we can make better choices and more aligned decisions in future.
- Start by listing out your key learnings for 2021
- Then, make a note of the most significant lessons and ask yourself — What did I learn from this experience? And why is this lesson important?
- Finally, consider — What will I do different next time? How can I course correct or avoid making a similar mistake in future?
QUESTION #3 – WHAT WILL YOU NO LONGER SAY YES TO?
What do you want to let go of in 2022? Consider —
- Fears, negative emotions or limiting beliefs holding you back. Fear of failure (or success), imposter syndrome or not being good enough
- The things you feel you ‘have to’ or ‘should do’ based on other people’s agendas or opinions
- Commitments or relationships that no longer serve you
- Anything you’re no longer willing to say YES to as we enter a new year
Using the prompts above, make a list of everything you’d like to let go of in 2022.
Then, ask yourself —
- What’s the impact on your health, important relationships, happiness or mental wellbeing?
- What has it cost you?
- Why do you need to let it go now?
Finally, prioritise the key things you’ll no longer saying yes to. And make a commitment to yourself to honour those promises.
QUESTION #4 – WHAT’S YOUR INTENTION FOR 2022?
You’ve now reflected on your successes and learnings and know what you want to leave behind. Next, it’s important to set your intentions for the year ahead.
- What goals do you want to reach in 2022?
- What results do you want in all areas of your life. Your work, relationships, money, health, personal or professional development?
- How do you want to spend your time?
- What is the vision for the life that you want to create?
Let your mind wander and write down everything that you’d like to do or achieve in 2022.
Then, set your intentions for the year ahead.
Highlight your top 5-10 goals and why they’re important to you. Understanding the purpose behind your goals will keep you on track when you want to quit. So you’re more likely to accomplish them!
Finally, list out your primary goals as if you’ve already reached them. Finish this sentence:
On 31 December 2022, I will have (list the goal or intention as if it’s happened). This is important to me because (insert why).
Not only does making a note of our goals help us remember them. But studies show writing them down (as if they’ve already happened) makes it more likely we’ll achieve them. This is because our brain seeks out the information we need to reach our goals — and discards the rest!
The Christmas break is the perfect time to reflect on 2021 and what you want next year. This simple year-end reflection will help you review your year and set yourself up for success in 2022!
Merry Christmas! I’ll be taking a break over the Christmas period and will be back on board on the 4 January. Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season! ♥
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Stacey Back is a Career Strategist, Leadership Coach + Founder of Profile Careers. She helps high-achievers at a career crossroads find the work that lights them up, increase their income, impact and create a career + life on their terms. Stacey works virtually with individuals and organisations based across the globe.