Recently, during a call with a coaching client, I asked:
“What signposts are you looking for to tell you that you’re doing a great job?”
🤔 The question lingered. We explored it together, and for this client, there were several signposts—not only for her performance but for what would make the year truly great. This conversation got me thinking about how we measure a year in review.
As the year comes to a close, many of us instinctively reflect on achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. But how do you know if you’ve truly had a great year? What are the signposts that make a year one to remember?
For deliberate leaders, recognizing these markers is essential—not just for personal growth, but for leading others with clarity and purpose. Here are some ideas to help you identify if you’ve had a standout year:
✨ Meaningful Progress Toward Goals
A great year isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Did you take deliberate steps toward your personal or professional goals? Whether you reached major milestones or made incremental gains, moving the needle forward is a sign of success. Reflect on:
- Projects you completed.
- Skills you developed.
- Habits you built or improved.
Take stock of what worked and where you can double down next year.
✨ Strengthened Relationships
At the heart of a fulfilling life and career are the connections we build. A great year often includes nurturing and deepening relationships with:
- Family and friends.
- Team members and colleagues.
- Stakeholders and clients.
Did you invest time in listening, communicating openly, and fostering trust? Improved relationships are a sign of emotional intelligence and intentional leadership.
✨ Resilience in the Face of Challenges
No year is without its setbacks. A great year isn’t defined by the absence of challenges but by how you navigated them. Consider:
- How you overcame unexpected obstacles.
- Lessons learned from failures.
- Mindset shifts or strategies you adopted to handle adversity.
Your ability to bounce back stronger reflects personal and professional growth.
✨ Alignment with Your Values
A great year aligns closely with your core values. Ask yourself:
- Did your decisions and actions reflect what truly matters to you?
- Did you lead with integrity and stay true to your purpose?
- Did you say “yes” to opportunities that felt right and “no” to those that didn’t?
When your life aligns with your values, it brings a sense of peace and fulfillment.
✨ Moments of Joy and Celebration
Life isn’t just about achievements; it’s also about moments that bring you joy and gratitude. Reflect on:
- Wins, both personal and professional, that you celebrated.
- Moments that made you laugh or feel at peace.
- Experiences that strengthened your bonds with loved ones.
Joy and celebration ground us and keep us motivated.
✨ Positive Impact on Others
A great year often includes making a difference in the lives of others. Think about the ripple effects of your actions:
- Did you mentor or support someone?
- Did your leadership inspire your team?
- Did you contribute to a cause or your community?
Impact doesn’t have to be monumental; even small acts of kindness create meaningful change.
✨ A Clearer Vision for the Future
One of the most powerful indicators of a great year is clarity about what’s next. Through your experiences and challenges, did you gain:
- Insight into what you want to pursue?
- A deeper understanding of your strengths and areas for growth?
- Excitement about the possibilities ahead?
This vision sets the stage for an even better year to come.
A Final Thought: The Power of Reflection
Identifying these signposts isn’t just about looking back; it’s about setting the tone for the future. Reflection helps you:
- Celebrate progress.
- Learn from challenges.
- Realign with your purpose and goals.
As you reflect on this year, ask yourself: “What am I most proud of?” and “What have I learned?” These questions will uncover the true highlights of your year.
A great year doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of deliberate choices and purposeful action.
Here’s to another year of intentionality and purpose.
Thank you for your incredible support in 2024. Because of this wonderful community, I am fortunate to do amazing work with extraordinary leaders, teams, and organizations.
Best wishes to you and your families for a joyful and peaceful festive season.🎄
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