We are a society of busy people. As I have observed in the past, many of my most successful clients proudly wear their busyness, their demanding schedule, with their laudable accomplishments as a badge of honour.

We are highly accomplished people. We like getting things done. We are gratified when seeing progress – in our professional lives, among our management team, and from our family members. We also have an eye to the future. What is the next big challenge we will conquer? What is the next goal we are striving for?

This energizes us – until it doesn’t. It fuels us until we realize that we are overdue for a break or a holiday. It can be an adrenaline rush but it sometimes masks the importance of taking time for reflection.

We believe in evidence, facts, and research. There is now considerable evidence supporting the benefits of mindfulness.

As you wrap up 2017 and launch into a new year, here is my exercise for you.

Identify the 3 things you learned this year. Not what you accomplished but what you learned that you will apply, professionally or personally.

Who do you want to be at the end of 2018? Not what do you want to have accomplished, but who do you want to be? What do you want to be known for? How do you want others to describe you?

What is your intention for 2018? I have written in the past about setting an intention or a theme. Some ideas for your intention could be: Good health, stronger relationships, more leisure time, delegation, or humour, to name a few.

This is a worthwhile exercise for you and also for those who work for you. Consider assigning this exercise to your management team and share your everyone’s results in January. It will provide everyone with a renewed purpose and compass for the new year. Remember you are building your legacy every day – in the choices you make, in the actions you take, in the decisions you make.

Enjoy the exercise. Share your thoughts with me. I would love to hear your insights.

My clients accelerate their results – increasing profitability, leadership performance, innovation, and accountability. I would love to discuss how I might contribute to your culture of accountability. Contact me today.

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