What lessons did you learn or reaffirm this year?
I ask myself this question every year as part of my annual review. Although I frequently share lessons learned on my blog (today marks blog #358, in fact), it’s helpful and enlightening to pull everything together at year-end. Below are five lessons that stand out for me this year, plus the link to an article that expands on each. I share these with the hope that one or all of them serve you, too!
1. Keep It Simple.
My theme this year has been “Simplify & Elevate,” which has played out in everything from a massive office decluttering to more focused services to sharing simple but high-quality tools and resources like the Purpose Planner. Don’t overthink or make things more complex than necessary. Simpler usually equals better! For more on annual themes, click here.
2. Be Authentically Confident.
Dr. Daniel Amen writes about the 18/40/60 Rule: At age 18, you worry constantly about what others think of you; at age 40, you don’t really care what they think of you; and at age 60, you realize no one’s really been thinking about you all that much anyway! Believing in yourself and feeling confident in your authenticity can transform everything – your relationships, your success at work, your willingness to step out of your comfort zone. For an example of this (starring my big hair!), click here.
3. Embrace Vulnerability.
Hmmm….where to start with this one? We discussed the topic of vulnerability in depth in ASPIRE this year and the consensus was this: it’s difficult, it’s scary, but the results (inner strength, better relationships, emotional freedom) are so worth it. I am most definitely a work in progress when it comes to vulnerability, but the more I delve in, the more I am rewarded. To find out why this is a difficult lesson for me, click here.
4. Take A Break.When you do what you love, “turning it off” can prove challenging. I often refer to this as the dark side of doing what you love – and I am only half-joking; it can easily lead to workaholism if not kept in check. Regularly taking an afternoon, day, or week off can restore your energy, enhance your creativity, reboot your passion, and keep you healthy. Be intentional about this by blocking time off on your ’16 calendar now. To learn about my experiment with this a few months ago, click here.
5. Be The Good.
Our world has a lot of issues, no doubt about it. But every day, I see examples of extraordinary kindness, generosity, help, and support. (I will be highlighting these in 2016 with a cool new project – stay tuned!) I choose to focus on these, as well as what I can do to make a difference every day. If you want things to be different, take action. Be part of the solution. Like Gandhi expressed, it starts with each one of us being the change we wish to see in the world. For more on kindness, positivity, and being the change, click here.
Like I shared in this week’s Clarity Kickstart, one of the best things you can do for yourself – personally and professionally – is surround yourself with inspiring people who will encourage, challenge, support, and push you. In addition to family and friends, I give thanks this holiday season to my coaches, mastermind partners, clients, and all of YOU! I appreciate your feedback greatly, as well as the many ways you are changing the world with your purposeful intention, positive action, and strong leadership.
Cheers and gratitude to you this holiday season!
What lesson have you learned this year? Let us know below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.
Surround yourself with inspiration, community, and greatness! Click here to join the 2016 ASPIRE Success Club. Enrollment closes soon!
What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?
Dr. Christi Hegstad is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa), and mom to three amazing kids.