A Simple Ritual To Close Out Your Year

It’s almost here!

There are just days before 2023 is in our rear-view window.

Before you say ‘goodbye’ to 2023, there is ONE thing for you to do before you ring in the new year and start making other plans.

Stop and look back at the fabulous things that have happened. It’s easy to overlook the amazing things you experience in our fast-driven world.

They are likely accompanied by some setbacks, disappointments, and losses too. That’s ok. It means you are in the arena and alive!

Take stock of it all to learn from the immediate past. Your observations, insights, and awarenesses. The ones you may not have caught without further reflection and introspection.

These experiences hold a treasure trove of wisdom IF you know how to find it.

You simply need the process to be a simple ritual. It will help you identify what it is you could do more of as well as what patterns of behavior cost you the most last year and need to be dropped as you head into 2024.

I call it the Post-Game Review and my clients and I do it every year to identify and record our one-sentence Success Formula.

All you need is a pen and ten minutes.

It’s pretty simple. It’s five steps. Here it is…

Step 1. Write down all of your “wins” and successes over the last year.

List 10-20 things that you achieved or experienced that make you feel good. Whether they’re large or small, own your best moments this past year.

Step 2. Now write down the mistakes or any setbacks you had in the past year.

What things didn’t go as well as you would have liked? Remember, those who don’t make mistakes, don’t create. Consider it a good thing to have this list.

Step 3. Next to every win and mistake, write down the “lesson” or the “gift” from each.

Nothing is a coincidence nor happens without reason or some value. What is the hidden meaning or opportunity from the experience? For example, if one of your wins was that you nailed a deliverable for a client or stakeholder, or conversely you made a mistake and didn’t get the help you needed to complete a project, the corresponding lesson might be the same: I am best when I identify and ask for the help needed to be successful.

Step 4. Look at your lessons and gifts.

What common theme do you see from both your wins and mistakes? Write down the 2-3 lessons that strike you as being most important to your wins and your mistakes. These may include things you want to keep doing or stop doing.

Step 5. Write your success formula.

Your final step is to write your success formula in one sentence. Write the 3-5 things that you see within the lessons that will be your directional beacon for success for the year ahead!

It’s fun and fast.

You may want to do this with a friend, family or team member! Creating meaningful conversation and support for those you care most about is a great exercise.

All my best to you in the year ahead!

~Rita