December is a natural time for reflection; a time when many of us consider the year that is coming to an end and start dreaming and planning for the year to come.
Reflection is a crucial component of effective goal setting. You must get clear on where exactly you are before you can decide where you want to go and how you will get there.
But I have found that many high-achieving perfectionists skip reflection, moving right past to start setting goals. You might skip reflection if you’re worried that you’ve fallen short on your goals and will feel badly about yourself if you acknowledge this. Or you may have learned that unrelenting hard work is the only way to succeed and that pausing to celebrate is a waste of time, or a sign of weakness.
This December, I challenge you pause and create time for reflection.
Consider your relationships, work, emotional and physical health, finances, hobbies, community, spirituality.
What did you create? What went well? What did you achieve?
Celebrate and take credit for the results you have in your life. They didn’t “happen to” you; you created them.
What didn’t go well? What did you learn? What would you have done differently?
Do not use these things to beat yourself up; use them to grow.
As we wrap up 2022 and move into 2023, this is the perfect time to reflect and start setting goals to build your dream life.
I help busy physicians create time and build joy; let me help you. Set up a free planning session today and we’ll get started.