UXL Blog

We’ve done it, friends. We’ve reached the end of another holidays season and another year, and we’re marching forward into the next year. If you’re like many people I know, this year has been filled with ups and downs, peaks and valleys. You’ve learned some tough life lessons, but you have also had moments of joy, satisfaction, and victory. The trick is, clinging to those “peak” moments and letting the valley moments slide away.

You might call this “selective reflection.” Make an effort to sit down (perhaps with a favorite warm beverage!) and spend some time quietly thinking about your accomplishments and positive moments. You could also choose to do this with a journal, jotting down your thoughts about the year. If you go the journaling route, remember this is just for YOU, so there’s no need for perfect grammar or even full sentences. Just write whatever comes to mind.

For me, this last year has had its challenges, but it has also contained several bright and shining moments. I welcomed a little grandson into the world this year, I had a chance to spend quality time with loved ones, I traveled to Iceland with friends, I spent time with family on both the east and west coasts. The list goes on.

When I focus on all the positive, uplifting, and joyful events that occurred this past year, the bad “stuff” seems to melt away. And that’s powerful. When you choose to concentrate on blessings, the difficult moments seem bearable (even if you’re grappling with difficulties right now).

I challenge you to set a positive tone for the New Year. Infuse yourself with positivity and gratitude, and march boldly forward. Don’t forget, you probably had plenty of support and love this past year, and it is always a good idea to reach out to your loved ones and thank them for their positive presence. Demonstrate your gratitude through a phone call, a hand-written card, a meaningful gift—however you see fit to recognize the special individuals in your life.

What will the New Year bring for you? What changes—large or small—do you anticipate in the year ahead? I would love to hear from you.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

Tags: future plans, holiday reflection and an announcement, margaret smith career coach, margaret smith leadership, Margaret Smith life coach, reflect during holidays, reflect on the year