Here’s to 2023: YOUR Year in Review

Whew! I don’t know about you, but the older I get, the faster each year seems to fly by. Part of me was still mentally summering at the beach when I realized it was almost time to pick out a Christmas tree!

While the past 12 months might feel like merely a blink, I bet some pretty cool things happened in your life – things you MADE happen through motivation, dedication, faith, and resilience. Now, my friends, it is time to celebrate those achievements, personal or professional, big or small.

Evaluating YOU

Many of you may currently be undergoing end-of-the-year performance evaluations at work (stressful!) I propose you draft your own self-evaluation at home that highlights every single thing that went right in 2023. Whether you completed a long-term goal or took small steps on your way to that goal, it’s time to acknowledge it and party!

By making self-reflection part of your annual tradition, you can track your progress toward the life of your dreams. Plus, you can make some last-minute change-ups before ringing in the new year to help set yourself up for success in 2024.

So, what personal or professional goals did you set for yourself this year? And why is it so important to consider?

Why It Matters

It’s science! A study by the Harvard Business School found that people enhanced their level of motivation by tracking small achievements every day. Our brains are literally wired to respond to a reward, and few things are more rewarding than the satisfaction of seeing a goal through to completion.

Take the time now to focus on your strengths and talents, take pride in what you’ve set in motion, and appreciate the wins, even the small ones. It will reinforce your faith in your abilities, shore up your confidence, and inspire you to keep winning – even in the face of challenges.

You shouldn’t have any trouble coming up with your list because, well… you’re FABULOUS! But people often think about the big things, like promotions, raises, and new jobs. Don’t discount the little things that happen.

What To Put On Your List

Here are a few on my list that might jumpstart your recollections. I was able to:

• Make connections between people I know that will enhance both of them professionally.
• Improve my health with one dietary change – adding a salad to the start of dinner every night (and got my husband to do it too – a BIG accomplishment!)
• Own up to a mistake and commit myself to learning from it.
• Step away from a relationship that wasn’t healthy for me and set clear boundaries.

Did you:

• Keep an open mind and try something new?
• Put food on your family’s table every day?
• Pay off a debt – or make a significant dent in one?
• Make a difference in someone’s life – bring them a meal, listen to them when they needed support, or provide wise counsel?
• Get out of bed and get dressed this morning?

Now that you have a long list of everything you’re proud of, let’s celebrate.. And *maybe* use it to your advantage…

Ways to Celebrate

• Personal Brand Perspective: Put it on LinkedIn. Post your Top 5 achievements for the year and encourage others to do the same.
• Gratitude Perspective: Thank the people who supported or assisted you in scoring some of those wins.
• Networking Perspective: December is often a quiet time for people who are still in the office. Set up some meetings, share some good news, and inquire about other people’s successes.
• Celebratory Perspective: Take yourself out for lunch!

If you still need a few reminders of how awesome you are, click here to download our I Celebrate My Achievements Affirmation Worksheet.

Then share it with a friend! Because something interesting happens when you celebrate others’ success as you would your own. The celebrant feels good, and so do you. It creates optimism and fosters camaraderie, which has personal and professional benefits. 

Success is contagious. And as the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. I, for one, can’t wait to hear about how much you’ve GROWn this year!