The Final Rush
I always think of this time of year as the final rush to get some real accomplishments nailed down before the end of the year. Sometimes these accomplishments may mean simply preparing my plan for next year. Either way, the finality of a year that is winding down causes me stress, but it also allows me to think strategically about my life.
Over the last five years I have been writing these “Monday Thoughts” as a way to share some tidbits about life, art, creativity and other things that I think are important and may be able to help you improve the quality of your life. I am frequently thinking about “learning” as a topic. Just downwind from learning is “productivity”- the logic being that if you study you will improve the likelihood that you approach life with more careful thought, preparation and knowledge. So, I have a quick assignment for you that will help you learn and prepare for next year.
Take one sheet of paper and write down the following:
- Three things you did really well in 2017
- Three things you wish you did better
- Three things you are grateful for
- Three things you are frustrated about
Reflect on what you appreciate about life and what you want to change. Think about what you want this list to look like at this time next year. Make a plan and stick to that plan. This simple 20-minute exercise is one of so many you can do … the key is doing it and committing to the plan. And, if you do so, you will have even more to be grateful about next year.
