Years ago when I began working at a university, the end of the year rolled around and I was asked to complete an annual report – an accounting of all I had achieved, including results of programs I was responsible for. I panicked – mainly because I didn’t remember! Yes, I finally finished that first report, but vowed to make it much easier the next time.
So each month I started recording what I had accomplished, so by the end of the year, I had 12 smaller reports that I now had to synthesize into one. Much easier! Doing it this way also helped me see how far I had come each month, instead of waiting until months had passed and I had forgotten. How quickly we forget what we have achieved – yet that ever present “to do” list is embedded in our minds. Even with those 12 reports making it easier I always hated writing that annual report – but I always loved having written it. Seeing in print a years worth of accomplishments was very rewarding and uplifting.
It’s your turn, as you are starting to take action toward your goals for the new year, begin by reviewing the year that just ended and take pride in your achievements!