I realize I am about 2 weeks behind in wishing you all a Happy New Year, but here we are! Happy New Year!
Ya girl is walking again (still in a boot for at least a few more weeks) but I'm getting caught back up! As many of you know the new year is a time for fresh beginnings and new starts. Unfortunately for many this year, the new starts are much larger than anticipated. LinkedIn has been filled with layoffs and "open for work" messages. Companies are making big shifts as we start 2023. Not exactly the inspirational start many anticipated!
I wanted to write a blog this year for those who have had an unexpected pivot or for those who are unsure about what they want the next year to hold. Remember, goals or resolutions can begin at any time - you don't have to wait until January 1st! This year, due to my injury, I'm taking my sweet time to ease back in and my goals will likely take the whole month of January to solidify. If you are in that same spot - welcome! We can do this together!
Before you begin creating new goals for yourself, I encourage you to pause and reflect on all that you have accomplished. We often focus so much on setting new goals we forget to acknowledge how far we have come. Here are 4 questions to help you do just that!
1) What Has Changed In The Past Year?
As time goes on our circumstances change. Have you had a change in occupation? Does your work environment look different compared to last January? Have you started new hobbies or interests? Have you paid off debt? Has your health changed?
All of these changes impact how you navigate your day-to-day life and the areas in which you choose to focus your attention. Write down the changes you have experienced and notice which of these changes will be impacting you as you head into the coming year.
2) What Are You Most Proud Of?
Now that you have acknowledged what has changed in the past year, it's time to reflect on yourself and your growth. What makes you the proudest when you think back on this past year?
Have you started a new hobby? Have you survived a change in health? Have you overcome a loss? Maybe you found a job that aligns with your values and gives you more time with family? Have you paid off debt?
No matter how big or small your moment is I want you to pause and congratulate yourself. It's so easy to keep moving forward with life that we forget all the things we have overcome or accomplished. Congrats on your growth this year!
3) What Did You Learn This Year?
Just in case you didn't get the memo, I wanted to remind you that we all make mistakes from time to time. Mistakes are the way we learn new pieces of information and change our understanding of the world around us.
This year you likely made some mistakes and had some opportunities to learn (me too!). What were those opportunities? Did you recognize tasks that make you feel fulfilled more than others? Did you try a new hobby and realize it wasn't for you? Have you added a new podcast to your list that has expanded your knowledge? And based on these learnings, are there any lessons that you want to expand on in the coming year?
4) What Are You Most Excited For In 2023?
Often times our goals or New Year's resolutions center on small things we want to change about ourselves to be the best version of ourselves we can be. But what if we chose goals focused on things we are good at already or things that immediately make us feel excited? I have a feeling we will be much more successful and engaged in our goals!
As I mentioned at the start of this blog, I am taking this month to reflect and think about where I want to take my aspirations next year.
Nothing is solidified, but here are some of my key takeaways after completing this exercise!
What has changed in the last year?
While many of my clients loved remote working the past few years, I have seen an uptick in wanting hybrid options in the past few months. There is a need for social interaction from some of my clients, but flexibility is still key!
How can I help my clients navigate these changes?
My business has grown and expanded to not only serving individuals but also corporate teams.
I'm so excited to see how this expands in 2023!
Inflation is affecting everyone. Grocery bills have increased, travel costs are sky-high, and organizations are making strategic organizational shifts to accommodate these rising costs.
What can I do as a business owner to help my clients afford career coaching? Should I be offering package pricing to help clients get the help they need at a structured price point?
What am I most proud of?
In 2022, I spent a week becoming a Gallup Certified Strength Coach. This has been something I have wanted to accomplish for over 10 years and now I can officially say I did it! I can't wait to integrate strengths-based coaching practices into my business. From assessments to guided activities my clients are going to be so much more successful utilizing these tools!
Want to learn more about CliftonStrengths? Check out this video and let me know if you are interested in learning more about your strengths!
What have I learned this past year?
Reflecting on all the events that I've hosted this year I have realized that there doesn't seem to be a huge interest in in-person community events. I think when it comes to career coaching people are much more comfortable joining a Zoom session or attending a virtual offering.
Events may take a bit of a shift this year...still thinking about this one.
What am I most excited about for 2023?
I am working very hard this year to expand my team! I realize that while I am an expert in many areas there are some topics that could use other voices and educators to help my coaching practice better serve our community. I still building out the team and the plan for what an expansion looks like, but I can't wait to bring in some of these experts!
As I said, lots to come in 2023!
Big challenges to face, questions to grapple with, and additions to be made.
Want to share your thoughts?
Comment below or email me - I would love to hear from you!
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