End Well, Begin Well
2023 is nearly over. 2024 has nearly begun. Both are “almost,” “not yet” and “not quite.” At this inflection point, what do you need to do to transition from one year to the next?
Do you need to end 2023 well?
Do you need to begin 2024 with positive intention?
Do you need to hit the ground running in 2024 with a solid, focused plan?
No matter what your need is, I’ve got you covered.
Ending Well: Review
If you’re looking to wrap up 2023 with meaning – either because it was so good or so bad (I’ve had both experiences!) – you might consider an annual review.
There are many different ways you can review your year, but here’s one very simple process that I like to use.
Take a blank sheet of paper, and draw a grid with 4 rows and 3 columns.
Label each box with a different month from January through December.
Jog your memory and fill in the boxes with key moments.
Maybe you won’t need help to jog your memory. Maybe the key events of the year are crystal clear in your mind or heart. But if you’re like me, you’ll have a lot more to add to the October through December boxes, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head about last January through April.
So jog your memory: Go back through your calendar, month by month. Whether it’s an electronic calendar or a paper planner, flip through those weeks and note what still stands out as significant, even months later. Another good way to jog your memory? Scroll through the photos on your phone from the last year. I’ve no doubt that at least once you’ll find yourself saying, “Oh, I forgot about that!”
Once you’ve captured your key moments and learnings from 2023, flip your paper over and try these prompts:
What events were most significant?
What impact did those significant events have on you, your life, who you’ve become?
What, if anything, do you need to apply from this in 2024?
If other questions come to your mind that feel more relevant to you, go for it. There’s no magic in these particular questions; they are only suggestions. What’s important is that you take some time to deeply consider the meaning of all that’s happened to you and in you during 2023.
Start Well with Positive Intention: Guiding Word or Vision
Looking for some inspiration to begin 2024? You might try setting a guiding word for the year or creating a vision board.
A guiding word of the year can help provide focus or intentionality toward a particular theme. That word might be related to goals or dreams you have for your life, it might reflect needs of your heart or soul, or it might be a word that you feel that God is offering to you (even if you’re not sure why).
If you need a process to follow to set a guiding word, check out this podcast, or at least click the link in the show notes to get the free guide.
If you’re a more visual person, you might prefer to create a vision board. A vision board is essentially a collection of images or short quotes or words that have meaning for you, offering direction or motivation. (You can even combine these strategies and incorporate your word into your vision board!)
If you’re new to vision boards, you might appreciate this short article and suggested how-to process.
Start with a Tactical Plan: 90 Day Plan
Last but not least, I know that you might want to actually have more than just a word to guide you into 2024.
So here’s a short worksheet to get you started on a plan that will help you begin the year with balance AND productivity! The worksheet has some simple instructions to guide you, but you might want to also read through this blog post before you dive in. Between the blog and the worksheet, you’ll be well on your way to an amazing start to 2024!
I’m here if you need me
As always, remember that I’m here for you if you find that you need some help processing the past year or planning for the one ahead. Coaching is great for both of those things. In fact, I’ve spent time this month doing both of those things with my coaches! I’m happy to walk you through a deep review and/or help you prioritize and plan for next year.
I wish you all the best as you reflect on all that’s been and dream about what’s to come. Sending you my warmest wishes for perspective, possibilities, and purpose in 2024!