Dig Deep in December & Reach for More in 2024
It’s my birthday, and having a birthday at the end of November has always served as a call to action for me.
I like to look back at what I have accomplished so far, and what do I still want to check off my big list before the end of the year? Pretend it’s your birthday and think about your year and what’s still out there waiting for you to feel good about in December.
How can you still dream big this year and reach for more in 24?
Reflecting on the Journey
Throughout my career, from juggling entrepreneurial endeavors in photojournalism and video production working my way through colleg, to navigating the complexities of strategic communication planning today, I’ve learned the power of reflection. It’s not just about tallying up wins and losses; it’s about celebrating the journey.
Three big things I’m proud of so far this year are:
Handing off leadership of the water safety nonprofit I founded
Changing day jobs from health research communication to promoting electric vehicle research, and
Finally taking that family vacation to Europe.
The other big goal, which I’ve made progress on and intend to focus on in December, is fully launching this Communication Counselor side business, with digital courses to help communicators like you get the most out of this amazing field we’ve chosen.
What goals did you set for 2023? Which ones did you achieve, and which ones are still pending? Were they compelling? Did they make you feel better about yourself? This introspection is crucial, not just for professional growth, but for personal fulfillment.
The Unfinished Business
Let’s talk about those goals that slipped through the cracks. It happens to the best of us. Maybe it was a project you couldn’t quite complete, a skill you planned to learn, a bad habit you wanted to break, or a new one you wanted to set.
Now is the perfect time to ask yourself why. Was it a lack of time? Resources? Or did priorities shift? Understanding these factors is key to realigning your goals for the coming year, and even maybe knocking them out of the park in the next month.
Mindset Matters
What type of mental state were you in when you DID make progress and achieve big things this year? How can you get back in that state when you need to? Remember, a goal unmet is not a failure, it’s an opportunity. We either succeed or we learn. We grow through what we go through. What actions can you still take to get you closer to your unmet goals?
I’ve had my fair share of plans that didn’t pan out, but each one taught me something new and honestly, making progress toward something bigger than I currently am can be MORE fulfilling than achieving the goal itself. It’s about the mindset. The journey. The progress.
Goal Setting: Your Blueprint for Success
Drawing from my background in strategic planning, I recommend breaking down big goals into small, bite-sized chunks. It’s like creating a blueprint for your success. A map for reaching your North Star.
This approach has been a game-changer in my career, and I’m confident it can be in yours too. Take uncomfortable action. Take massive action. One of my most popular workshops over the years is goalsetting, and I plan to offer one for you in 2024.
Starting right now, make a list of what you’ve accomplished so far, another list of what you still want to achieve in December, and start thinking about steps to make 2024 even better.
Want to reconnect with that relative or friend? Make the holidays extra special for someone? Improve your presentations? Avoid AV nightmares at your next big event? Reinvent your enewsletter? Make generative AI your personal virtual assistant? Get that promotion? Take that big trip you keep saying you’ll take “someday”?
As we wrap up 2023, let’s do so with a feeling of accomplishment for the progress we’ve already made, gratitude for the lessons learned, and excitement for the opportunities ahead.
Are you ready to take on 2024 with confidence and make some big moves?
After all, isn’t that what makes us feel more alive?
Dream big, my friend.
