did you finish strong?
Have you performed a 2011 review? Did you achieve your goals and finish strong? Have you taken the time to measure your success?
Or…are you still in the same position at the end of this year as you were last year despite the fact you had huge plans to make significant life changes?
How DID you do?
Naturally it is my hope that 2011 was ridiculously successful for you! I will say that mine was “to a degree”… but there are still things I plan to do…((quickly!))
If you’re in the same boat … even if you are feeling slightly disappointed with your accomplishments, I’d like to remind you that there’s still time right now to succeed or at very least get a few of your goals checked off you list… or even started so you’re on your way for the bright new year ahead.
There’s still just over two beautiful weeks left as we all know, and while I realize we’re all busy gearing up for the Holiday season, but there may be a few small tasks you can complete to feel a little more satisfied with the results of your 2011 performance review.
It might just mean you have to put the pedal to the metal a little heavier than you might have say last Spring or so. 🙂
For instance: Are there things around the house you had ‘said’ you’d do but never got around to them? If so, list them (with pen and paper). For example: There’s still time to clean your closet and donate to goodwill or the local thrift shop.
There may be unpainted trim you could take an hour to slap that coat of paint on you said you’d do? (like me!)
Perhaps you haven’t fully winterized the yard and pulled those last few weeds or trimmed the hedge in preparation of the colder season? (Maybe you haven’t shampooed the throw rugs in time for Christmas …as I haven’t (yet)
Had you planned to start an online business to learn to earn extra income? (Or even an offline business for that matter)… but put it on the back burner because felt stuck and overwhelmed or gave in to the fear of failure … and did nothing instead?
No matter what your disappointment “may be”, there are still small steps you can take to prevent your from feeling the year was wasted. Furthermore, you’ll be amazed to find that even doing a couple of extra small tasks will raise your self esteem tremendously and do wonders for your morale.
Oh, I know, I know,…often when it gets to this time of year we think to ourselves “oh well, there goes another year…((sigh)) … I guess I’ll wait till after the New Year”…. But to be honest that’s nothing more than making excuses or giving in to procrastination.
The best thing to do is make use of the time TODAY. In other words the “here and now” and live in the moment a little with your goal list in tact and plastered firmly in front of your nose!! Then set your intentions to make things happen!
Get started right now: Get clear on your goals and WRITE down every single one of those outstanding tasks. I’m not suggesting you set yourself up for failure or further disappointment by trying to bite off more than you can chew, but once you have written an extensive list, simply choose 3-5 smaller tasks and get them done.(NOW).
Again, I know the clock is ticking but even if it means getting up at 4am to knock a couple off your list you’ll have a couple less to face in the new year and you’ll feel a lot better about your accomplishments..
So… be quick and clean that closet, rake the leaves, finish painting the trim, clean the gutters, and shampoo the rugs (like me 😐 )….
If you’ve always wanted to start a business but spent the year being a ‘yabut’… because you felt overwhelmed or didn’t know where or how to start… get clear on the reasons “why” you stayed stuck and find the help you need.
If necessary, consider getting help by seeking out a coach or finding a mentor so you have a way of getting past the things that have held you back. After all, things are never as difficult or as ‘bad’ as you ‘think’ they might be once you muster up some determination and get the wheels in motion. Just knowing how to move ahead will be a great comfort and serve you well from this point forward.
So again, there’s still time to feel satisfied with your personal accomplishments and elevate your excellence.
You will feel satisfied with life and better prepared to get a jump on the fresh new year of 2012 with a few extra things ticked off your list and perhaps the get the groundwork in place for a new successful year filled with personal satisfaction!
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
I did my year end review and came up with a few changes for 2012. I’ve already implemented a few of them. One new change: focusing on the short-term goals that will help me achieve my longer-term goal.
Best of luck to you in 2012! May it bring you much joy and prosperity.
Hi Jayne,
I have achieved a lot of my goals this year…but failed with several too 🙁
I do agree with getting a coach though if your situation calls for one. Getting mentored by an expert has been one of the best things for my business. Very nice article.
Hi Alan, you can always pick up on those goals that didn’t quite make it though! That is the good thing about having loose ends. tying them up becomes a little goal in itself. I am sure 2012 will prove to be a good year.
I always felt that simply by having an accountability partner who shared my same interests and had knowledge was a huge boost to my productivity and mindset. Was like a little wind beneath my wings.
Thanks for coming over Alan.
Wishing you the best 2012 possible.
Jayne
Hi Jayne,
I have to tell you that I was reading along and then I came to where you said you may have to get up at 4:00 am to knock a couple of those tasks off you list I immediately cringed.
Last Thursday I had to get up at 4:00 am to take a friend to the hospital for surgery and I drug the rest of the day. Now I get up every morning between 6:30 and 7:00 so it’s not like I’m lazy. I’m just not that use to that kind of schedule and thought I was going to die. Not that it has anything to do with the topic of this post but since I just had to do this this past week, I had to laugh when I read that.
So on to the list at hand. I got the things accomplished on my list that I set out to do. Did they all go the way I had intended? Not necessarily but I did them to the best of my ability at the time so now I’ve learned so much and specifically know what I have to accomplish for this upcoming year. I don’t know about anyone else but I’m darn excited.
Thanks for sharing this one Jayne and sorry I got so off topic there for a moment. But I do hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Here is wishing you a fabulous new year young lady. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one for us all.
~Adrienne
HI Adrienne, LOL I totally understand, however getting up to take a friend to the hospital isn’t quite as inspiring as getting up with the birds to complete some tasks that in the end make you feel better!
I cannot burn the candle at both ends these days… or at least not as successfully as I used to, but I will say that if I am pumped about getting something done and actually do get up at the crack of dawn and complete it, I tend to have a spring in my step for the rest of the day.
Funny how the mindset thing kicks in.
I am pleased you were able to accomplish the things you set out to do even if they didn’t all work as you envisioned.
This year will be a great year. I can feel it in my bones.
All the best Adrienne. May I say a highlight of 2011 was meeting you.
Best
Jayne
Hello Jayne,
I agree, our power lies in the NOW.
But it is just so damn easy to postpone.
What I realized if I take action even as small as taking my car to the shop for a (well deserved 🙂 ) oil change I gain momentum and I inspires me to do more “small stuff” around the house or what have you.
Thank you for the inspiring thoughts
Akos
Hi Akos, I totally get what you say when you accomplish a small task… it seems to get your blood pumping with enthusiasm to conquer the next small task.
There truly is no better time than NOW though and with a little self-training we get better at seizing it.
Lovely to see you. I hope you enjoyed this Holiday Season.
Here is to a wonderfully successful 2012!
Jayne
Hi Jayne,
I had a long list is of goals at the beginning of the year so it’s not surprising that I am still working on some and have put others on hold. I’ve also created new goals throughout the year and I have accomplished a lot and I am happy with what I’ve done. I also started the new year with a tiny baby so anything else that I accomplished is this year is a bonus! 🙂
Stacy
HI STacy, I truly feel you have done incredible and to say you did indeed start the year with a new miracle, I have to agree everything else certainly is a bonus. Not quite sure how you manage to pull it all together with having your children and the daycare… and the great job you do on blogging.
I look forward to working with you in 2012 Stacy. It has been a pleasure to be a friend in 2011.
best
Jayne
Great article Jane that I agree with. Just one thing – don’t do something you to feel good about having done something.
You can do that if it’s something that needs to be fixed around the house. But if it has to do with business you have to do it the smartest way possible even if it takes longer, unfortunately.
Hi Catarina, I know what you’re saying. I find that many of the things I do to do with my business are not all necessarily things I want to do… or even that they are all fun to be honest.
I still feel good when I complete a task that did take some grinding at… just to have overcome the challenge and know that it’s been done to the best of my ability.
I hope you have enjoyed this Holiday Season and I look forward to working online and knowing you in 2012.
Best
Jayne
This is the time of the year when most people think what they have accomplished and if they have reached their goals through the year. Personally I have accomplished most of my goals but there are still things that I should have done…
Hope the new year will bring success to all of you!
HI Kostas, I think we all have loose ends, but it doesn’t mean to say we haven’t been busy.
I just do the best I can each day and at the end of the year (like now) I see what I can ‘clean up’. I don’t get in a knot, but it does feel good when I tidy up a bit!
Lovely to see you
Jayne
Hi Jayne,
No matter the challenges you experienced this year I am sure there a lot of things to be grateful for. It’s such a wonderful feeling to know that we made it thus far and we really should not take such a privilege for granted.
Like you said, I see alot of people make the mistake of thinking that the year is ended and thus live the year haphazardly thinking that this is not much to accomplish. It is a big mistake because to be truthful there is really no difference between Jan 1 and April 18, December 31 and October 5. The new year could well have started on June 3 just that it is starting on Jan 1 due to some calculations somewhere.
So the lesson? Your best time is NOW. Not yesterday, not tomorrow. Getting started now is best decision for the moment.
Thanks Jayne and may 2012 be super extraordinary (Yeah, that’s intentional 🙂 )
Tosin
HI Tosin, there are countless things I am thankful for and each and every day was a new and exciting learning experience.
There is no time like the present as you say. I like to seize every moment!
I wish you all the best and look forward to working beside you and my blogging buddies in the fresh new year of 2012.
all the best and much happiness Tosin.
Jayne
Hi Jayne
well, I have, not 100% achieve my goals yet, but some I have. 2011 have been an awesome year for me. My blog ranking have improved and and gained more exposure.
I’ve wrote down alot of goals that I need to achieve in 2012..one of them is the revamp my blog 🙂
HI Easther, I think you have done a great job from my vantage point. You’re a little cracker!
I really like your blog, but I know what you mean. I’m thinking along the same lines… although it’s not at the top of the list… I would like to make some tweaks for sure!
Lovely to see you
Jayne
I have started my blogging career in 2011 and launched my first blog. In 2012 I will launch my blog on marketing. I always feel satisfaction in my work as mental calmness is my goal of life that is foundation of health and success.
Maja, well said, mental calmness is definitely number one for feeling well and getting things done. It’s huge for health and productivity.
Best\
Jayne
Thanks Jayne. I love goal setting and am a huge fan of anything that helps me with my personal development, that motivates and inspires me into taking action – as your post does:)
Thanks for the lovely comment Lilach. I love to feel stretched when aiming for goals. It adds purpose and spice to the reasons I am doing what I’m doing in this crazy little world of ours.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Jayne
I would say this has been one of the most productive years of my life Jayne, aside from my years in college, but I have been really tired lately for some reason. I don’t know if it’s health, or diet, or just the days getting shorter, but I haven’t had as much motivation or energy in the last 2 months. I fall asleep at in opportune times too, like at work and on the computer.
I just read “The Flinch” (I’m sure you’ve heard of it, it was a viral release through Seth Godin’s project with Amazon last week), and my problem isn’t the flinch, it’s something physiological, and it’s killing me because there is nothing I can do about it, and I have an abundance of opportunity.
Hi Adam, great to meet you. First of all, congrats on your great year of 2011. Sure looks like you’ve been keeping busy… just checked your site. (Ill snoop around it likely tomorrow… just on my way out to a friends birthday).
Regarding your fatigue… are you getting to bed at a decent time? Or.. are you like me and like to try to burn the candle at both ends.
If you are…(looking after your sleep quota, food choices, etc… do you drink enough water?). Half the population walks around dehydrated and doesn’t know it. (I’m not talking pop, juice, milk, coffee… I’m talking pure clean water). I have recently started drinking Alkaline water and putting effort into actually drinking it!
If Water doesn’t work, get to the doctor! Many many years ago… I was absolutely exhausted all the time. It turned out that I had a pituitary tumour (not cancerous) but just slightly enlarged. I had to go on medication and balance things out… and it made a huge difference.
With all the weird things that can happen these days with thyroids going wonky, and people being out of balance… it’s worth the quick few tests to nip it in the bud. Probably something and nothing… but taking a couple hours out of your day to get it seen to will likely make you glad you did.
***end of rant***
I haven;t heard of the Flinch… yet feel like a Mushroom kept in the dark and fed …. well ya know… I love Seth Godin… must have had my head down trying to complete all the irons int he fire.
Keep me posted Adam…let me know how you make out fatigue wise… and ‘ll pop over to yours soon. Please come back…
Best
Jayne
Jayne, quite an interesting post! Re evaluating on what we did last year only keeps us on the right track and if you ask me, the new year for me is only about “hope”, about things “I didnt do properly last year” and desperately want to do them better this year.On the personal front, it was average one for me.I did well on the personal front: got married and finally got settled, but hardly improved on the professional front.That needs to be looked at now.
HI Arnab, well congratulations.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Now you’ve got your personal self settled… this will be your year to shine on the professional front!
It’s going to be great!
Thanks so much for stopping by… and enjoy your married life first and foremost. A good solid relationship does wonders for your business!
Jayne
Thanks for your encouraging comments Jayne.I also echo your thoughts on having a steady personal front for a steady business. I will follow your advise for sure.Hoping for some more inspiring posts from you in future.
Wish you good luck for everything ahead.
Merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
Hi Jayne,
Always good to evaluate our progress although I believe most of what we focus on must be in appreciation for what we have acheived and what we want to achieve next. Focusing too much on what we haven’t achieved just creates discord in our vibration.
I know that I am continuing to expand and grow all the time even though sometimes I feel frustrated when things don’t move at my pace. LOL
This has been an interesting year for me in that never before has so much that used to be important become so un-important. It has been such a realease and relief in many ways but also a little disconcerting as a lot of my goals have gone through a major transformation.
I know that 2012 is going to be an extraordinary year for me as it feels as if much of what I’ve been going through has been in preparation for further expansion.
Thank you Jayne for inspiring me to stop and think about this important topic.
~Marcus
HI Marcus… I know exactly what you mean when you say it’s frustrating when things don’t go at our pace. I get patches like that and you can either feel like throwing in the towel, of get cross… and get it together! I tend to get cross and it adds fuel to the fire.
I just have that feeling in the pit of my stomach… as well as under my ribs that ‘knows’ it’s going to be a great year next year.
I’m popping over to your blog tomorrow… its Saturday night here and I’m off to a birthday party. Want to catch up with you and a few of our group.
Thanks so much Marcus for being my friend and always taking the time to stop by and cheer for me in my corner.
Best
Jayne
Melody, I’m focusing on catching up with you on Sunday / Monday. Just wanted to let you know… it’s Sat night here and I’m out to a Birthday party. Did give you blog to my client though.
Best
Jayne
Hi Jayne!
Personally, 2011 has been an awesome year for me. I’ve grown so much, made a ton of connections and met awesome people. I started my blog (my site was up before, but my blog is new) and fleshed out what I want my business to be. But most of all, I’m not the same person I was at the end of last year, or rather, I’ve become more ME.
I spend the end of each year at a spa with my mom. We relax, eat amazing food, get facials and massages and spend an extraordinary amount of time in bathrobes. It’s awesome. It also gives me time to just chill and review my year, as well as set myself up for the next one. I meditate for hours (which is a lot more than I usually have time for) and get all this energy moving and lined up for the following year. Every New Year’s I proclaim that the coming year will be the best year ever, and every year I’m right. 🙂
To me, it’s not about the individual tasks. It’s about how I feel and what my grand vision for myself is. As long as I keep my eye on that ball, the tasks get done. Somehow.
Huge hugs!
Melody
HI Melody, long time no see! I am so pleased that you were pleased with your year! Way to go!
I am not disappointed with my achievements either to be honest, but there are a few loose ends I would like to tie up. I have to say that blogging does change us for sure. We sort of ‘come out of ourselves’… it kinda reminds me of being on speakers corner in London where we just talk into cyber space and share the many things that roll around our noggins!
its funny really isn’t it? How we meet all sorts of people and actually get to know them! 🙂
I am envious of your time with your mom at the spa. It is time well deserved. Are you doing this in the US or is she visiting in Spain?
I am sure next year will be fantastic!! I just know it will be for you as well.
Lovely to see you Melody. Can’t wait to read your post. I was just taling about ‘learning to love yourself’ with a client/friend today. I’ll send her too!
Best
Jayne