Ready, Set, 2020!

A colleague posted the idea that before we make resolutions for a new year, we should review the existing resolutions that we put into place during the current (and prior) year(s). With a new year at hand, we tout the ability to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. New resolutions, new habits, new goals, new me, new you, new, new, new... But are we setting ourselves up for failure if we ignore what currently exists? Can we truly "wipe the slate clean"?

I'm a list keeper. My practice is that if I don't write it down, it doesn't exist. And I particularly like to buy a shiny new notebook (preferably unlined) to write down my goals, dreams, wishes and ambitions. In keeping with my colleagues idea, it was easy for me to find last years goals or resolutions. I only had to flip to the front of the formerly shiny notebook (actually, it is still pretty shiny as I didn't use it as much as I had "resolved" to!). I went down the list: attend local business networking meetings (check), exercise regularly (check), get outside and breathe fresh air daily (check), travel (check), lose weight (1/2 check), research small business incubators (1/2 check), set monthly sales goals (blank), start a new business (blank)...see where this is going?

While I am not going to do this, I could probably look back at my annual goals for the last 5 years and see many of the same topics that had varying levels of success. So is my glass half full or half empty? What about all of the "goals" I reached that I didn't write down? How do I measure those personal accomplishments? Sometimes being in the moment and being open to what is present and available allows us to take an unrecognized path that may actually help us to realize personal growth and success that we hadn't considered before.

I am going to take my colleagues advice and look at my goals from last year. Any goal on there that I am not fully 100% committed to I am going to not move onto my 2020 goal list. Isn't the definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome?? Doing this should help me move forward in a positive manner, putting forth strengths and passions that truly align with the 2020 version of Sunny. It will undoubtedly keep me energized, challenged and honoring the person I want to be going forward. It will also reduce personal stress and help me to have stronger relationships. Happy New Year to you and may you find your best self in this new decade.

#davidsmithconsulting #newyear #goals