Rest and Reflect: Looking Back on 2023
The year is ending. We are going to have two posts to finish the year and another to kick off the year.
This week we want you to reflect.
Next week we want you to dream. (Dec 26)
The first week of the new year we want to get after it. (Jan 3)
Rather than try and do everything at once, why don’t we slow down and rest a bit? One of my favorite memories of 2023 was standing in the Snake River outside of Yellowstone National Park while attempting to fly fish. The weather was almost as good as the scenery, and I actually rested. While resting, my mind had the opportunity to process the year and think through what was good, what wasn’t and where I wanted to go.
The second most restful moment was on the beach in Hawaii next to my bride while celebrating 20 years of marriage. This rest was different on a lounge chair listening to the ocean, but my mind was still able to reflect and think forward without feeling the rush of getting to the next meeting.
My hope is that during this holiday season you can spend some time resting. While rushing around for last minute gifts, holiday parties, and Christmas celebrations, how are you going to manage your calendar so that you “rest” and “reflect”?
Too often we only reflect while reactionary. We look back in the heat of the moment and make decisions during a heightened sense of emotion. This isn’t always bad, but I think we all agree this isn’t always good.
Before dreaming and setting big goals for 2024 and beyond, answer the following questions. If you get hung up on the questions, schedule some leadership coaching for the new year and we will help you reflect, dream and get after it.
1) What are you most proud of in 2023 at work?
What results or outcomes come to mind?
What stories of impacting people come to mind?
2) What are your biggest regrets of 2023 at work?
What about that experience makes it a big regret?
If you encounter similar circumstances in 2024, what will you do differently?
3) What are you most proud of at home in 2023?
What stories come to mind?
Who can you celebrate these moments with?
4) What are your biggest regrets at home in 2023?
What about that experience makes it a regret?
If you encounter similar circumstances in 2024, what will you do differently?
Before dreaming forward, let’s take the time to rest and reflect. Too often we miss the “rest” and jump straight into a dream. However, there is a reason the gym will be full in about 2 weeks and empty in February. Reactionary reflection leads to reactionary decisions. Reactionary decisions are not rooted in what’s most important to us and that’s why we don’t stick with those decisions.
Rest and Reflect. Sometimes this is a bit painful. Sometimes it’s joyful. Most of the time it’s a mix of both. However, this is crucial. It is personally buying into where you want to go in 2024.
Next week, let’s take the time to dream a bit.
In the meantime.
Spend some time with friends.
Take your kids to breakfast.
Read a book.
Go to the gym.
Prep your favorite meal to share with friends and family.
Instill new traditions for Christmas and carry-on current traditions.
Merry Christmas,
Love Life @ Work. Love Life @ Home.
Michael Brown and the Insight Team (i.e. Ryan and Deena)
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Three intentional steps to rest and reflect upon the past year as you prep for 2024. [ryan@insightlg.com]:
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