Remembering 2010, Celebrating 2011

Last year I received this email from a friend and it as a great reflection piece. I think I will do it again. It's interesting to re-read some of the things I wrote last year compared to my feelings and views from this year. I find it fascinating how we can really change so much in a year.

Remembering 2009, Celebrating 2010
DAVID'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
from David Allen - Productivity guru

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY?

I mean, what have you actually finished, completed, and accomplished? If you haven't made a list in the last year, I would highly recommend that you take a few minutes and capture that.

It has always intrigued me how much a less-than-conscious part of me can still have energy wrapped up around activities and projects, until I acknowledge that they're done, to myself. Kathryn and I have made an annual exercise, at year-end, of making the list of major completions and accomplishments. We've even been saving that list in a Lotus Notes database for the last few years. It's really quite a healthy, cleansing completion in itself. It includes everything that we can think of—from projects like launching a new product, to adding new staff, to trees planted, to new places visited, to family deaths handled, to old business completed, to new skills and tricks learned.

I've noticed that there is likely some resistance to doing that process as well. I had an attorney (client) recently say in all sincerity that it was quite scary initially to go through the workflow coaching process with me, precisely because he was afraid to declare some of his projects "done"! (I mean, what if they weren't perfect yet?!)

I suggest you give yourself a treat and review the year that just past and look forward to the year ahead.

"Celebrate any progress. Don't wait to get perfect."
-Ann McGee Cooper

DAVID'S COACHING TIPS

For those of you who want more form and structure, here are some questions that can guide you in your 2009 review and 2010 goal setting. When I go through these kinds of questions I like to consider my answers in several areas:

Physical
Emotional
Mental
Spiritual
Financial
Family
Community Service
Fun / creativity / recreation

COMPLETING AND REMEMBERING 2010

Review the list of all completed projects

What was your biggest triumph in 2010? I joined a networking group to improve my business, ran a few marathons, did my first sprint triathlon, made some great friends and took a trip to Australia.

What was the smartest decision you made in 2010? joining the business networking group, to increase revenue and networking skills for my business.

What one word best sums up and describes your 2010 experience? adventure!

What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2010? I really have learned to accept the financial component of my life. I don't have as much money as I would like, but I am responsible and am happy with what I have. I am comfortable.

What was the most loving service you performed in 2010? Honestly, I am ashamed to admit that I hardly did any service this last year. Other than photographing events and weddings for people or organizations that couldn't have afforded my services otherwise. A new goal for 2011 would be to pursue more service activities.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business in 2010? Even though I think I did well with getting more business this last year, I really need to market myself a little bit better. I think this year I will focus on a consistent email campaign.

What are you most happy about completing in 2010? I decided to registered for a half ironman, even though I haven't completed the event, I decided to register and now have the confidence to compete. On the other hand, I really don't feel like I fully completed anything from last year. Most of my projects are going to continue for years.

Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life in 2010? In general, I'd say coworkers, roommates and friends and family. At this particular moment, I can't really be specific with three.

What was the biggest risk you took in 2010? Starting to pay for things for myself. A business coach, a new website for my business. Doing things to really grow myself.

What was the biggest surprise in 2010? The best surprise, that wasn't even really a surprise was the opportunity to visit my friend, Jane in Australia.

What important relationship improved the most in 2010? I've had improved relationships with friends mostly.

What compliment would you liked to have given in 2010? In general, I feel like I could have given more compliments to everyone.

What else do you need to do or say to be complete with 2010? Show my appreciation for my job, business, and all my friends and family.

CREATING 2011: THE NEW YEAR

What would you like to be your biggest triumph in 2011? Pay off my loans, have a more profitable business, and cherish time with friends and family. Don't want to forget about the half ironman in July :)

What advice would you like to give yourself in 2011? Be smart financially try to remember the little things count. I also want to include, that take a few more risks... don't sit at home and sulk or because it's part of your routine now. Get out there!

What is the major effort you are planning to improve your financial results in 2011? pay off debt and aggressive save. I finally established a small emergency fund this last year (a few times) and feel good about that accomplishment. Now I just need to continually putting money away.

What would you be most happy about completing in 2010? paying off my student loan and losing 10 pounds :) (have to throw that in there somewhere)

What major indulgence are you willing to experience in 2011? Last year I was fortunate to travel to Australia, I don't think I will be able to afford a trip aboard this year. I will be going to Sonoma for the half ironman with Jess for a week, that will be an indulgence. I want to take a few more weekend getaways this year to local areas in CA.

What would you most like to change about yourself in 2011? Try harder to have empathy for others and have a positive, optimistic attitude

What are you looking forward to learning in 2011? I am looking forward to continuing my education in leadership and also increasing my skills at photography for my job. I am also working towards putting more time into my business... and increasing some of my skills in other areas at my full time employment.

What do you think your biggest risk will be in 2011? investing more in my business

What about your work, are you most committed to changing and improving in 2011? I am committed to being indispensable. I want to try to improve my efficiency and start to take on more tasks, but in a smart way.

What is one as yet undeveloped talent you are willing to explore in 2011? I would really like to feel great while running. Either accepting my current pace or being able to really feel great while doing it. This will require me to get more fit.

What brings you the most joy and how are you going to do or have more of that in 2011? running, photography and creating and maintaining my relationships with people.

Who or what, other than yourself, are you most committed to loving and serving in 2011? Possibly a relationship? More likely friends and family.

What one word would you like to have as your theme in 2011? Hard work and positive attitude = a fun adventure with many rewards!