Happy New Monday!
As I approached New Year’s Eve and Day earlier this month I couldn’t help but feel a sense of renewal, optimism and hope for the year ahead. New Year’s Eve was filled with excitement, reflection, closure and hope: I celebrated the accomplishments I was proud of – my wins, successes and joys I experienced. I let go of what I didn’t want to carry anymore – my disappointments, hurts, failures and losses. All in the turn of one day.
As New Year’s Day arrived I felt a renewed energy and excitement for the year ahead. Goals were set, plans developed and I embraced an optimism that anything was possible. This new year represented a clean slate and moved me ahead with optimism, energy and encouragement.
January 10 came, then 20, and then 30. With each day my optimism remained, but also I noticed some demons creeping in. Were the goals achievable? Was I on track? Did I do enough? Was I already off track and what would that mean for 2018? Could it mean failure?
As I reflect on this process, I’m honest enough with myself to know that although I set goals, I also have a fear around them. I don’t like to fail. I don’t like to disappoint myself or others. And I don’t like falling short of what I set out to. The more that perspective of failure creeps in, the less energized and optimistic I am about what I set out to do.
This year I am celebrating a New Year’s Day every Monday. I am treating every weekend like New Year’s Eve: a chance to reflect on the good, the bad and the changes I want ahead. Every Monday then becomes my New Year’s Day again: a chance to move forward differently with a renewed optimism of what’s ahead and a plan that supports it.
I’m writing the goals down and every ‘New Weekly Eve’ throughout this year I’m writing down my successes/challenges and shifts. By the end of the year I will have many things to reflect and celebrate, and many to let go of. And I will be clear about the efforts, shifts and results I’ve achieved along the way. In 2018 I’m celebrating the journey.
Here’s to many Happy New Year’s Days this year…….
Donna Flynn has spent most of her career in the financial services industry, both as an executive coach, and also in leadership and management positions. She is the President of SkillsMastery Group, Inc., an executive coaching and management consulting firm in Chicago. SkillsMastery Group has partnered with BankTalentHQ to provide career, management and leadership coaching to its members. For more information, please contact dflynn@skillsmastery.com.
