Well, as another year comes to a close, many reflect over highs and lows, wins and losses – and evaluate them, look for areas of opportunity, and plan for a better next year. The close of the year is a great time to make plans to help fulfill your goals and happiness in the upcoming year. PLAN YOUR WORK, AND WORK YOUR PLAN!
Closing out the Old Year
Finish these sentences to reflect on the year that has just passed.
1. This was a year of…
2. The things I’m most proud of in the year were…
3. The greatest lessons I learned this year are…
4. The things that were hard in the year were…
5. After this year, I’m letting go of…
6. The people from this year I want to thank are…
7. From this year, I’m taking these things to the next year…and I’m leaving behind…
Planning for the year ahead
1. Decide. Think of something you want to do or work towards. It doesn’t matter what, as long as its something YOU want to do – ideally, something you’re interested in or feel excited by. It can be a big thing or small. Challenge and plan to get it done!
2. Write it down. Carefully. Writing down your goals increase chances of sticking with them. Write down the goal, how you plan to achieve it, and by when. Write down your goals in terms of what you want to do, vs. what you don’t want do (I want to lose 10 pounds vs. I don’t want to gain weight.)
3. Tell someone. Telling someone special that you know about your goals helps to increase accountability and likelihood that you will stick to them.
4. Break your goal down. This is especially important for bigger goals. Identify the smaller goals that need to be accomplished before achieving the big goal.
5. One step at a time. The journey of 1000 miles starts with one step, says an ancient Chinese proverb. Think of your first step and what’s needed to take it. Then think of the next…and the next.
6. Keep going. Working towards our goals can be difficult at times. Don’t get discouraged. If a step is not working, persevere and think of an alternative that still moves you forward, even if a little bit.
7. Celebrate. Sometimes you have to encourage, congratulate, and motivate your own self. When you reach your goals, or sometimes, even a step in a big goal – don’t hesitate to celebrate! It will help create motivation as you move on to the next goal! 
As the year closes, have a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve! There is so much to do. If you still need party planning ideas, HERE is a link with some helpful tips and ideas. Still don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve? Click HERE for some happenings around Chicago.
