Are annual appraisals and New Year’s resolutions just another Groundhog Day?

The same old thing.? Year after year.? Trapped in the same old cycle of wanting different but falling back into doing the same thing.? ?

You might agree and of course you may disagree and say annual appraisals and new years resolutions are absolutely the right way to review and set objectives.?

If you believe they don’t work take a read below and I will leave you with three things to do, that will work!

If you’re employed you may very well have an annual appraisal.? In my experience this can be everything from no appraisal to an in depth review with 360 degree feedback from others who you may have nominated your line manager to speak too.? It is worth mentioning the best annual appraisals consisted of my line manager visiting me overseas and holding that in person conversation with me, with the people you nominate plus others you work with but maybe not necessarily always see eye to eye with. ? A great all round measure to check you’re on mission according to your business requirements and feedback on how to improve.

The downsides with this is that it’s a snapshot in time and it can be time consuming.? Back to the standard annual appraisal.? You will remember certain things you’ve done.? The people you nominate will also remember certain things you’ve done or not done but does it truly capture the efforts, results or learning across the year and does it truly set you up to improve next year, with meaningful objectives? Usually, no!

And then take the New Year’s resolutions.? Nice idea but. Or maybe you do them? If you do them, great!? Do you stick with them? Do they fall by the way side pretty quick? For many the New Year’s resolution simply don’t last, a little like many change programs out there. Why? because we are trying to change the external and not the internal.

Do you need to wait for a new year to start a fresh? Could you instead choose a new month or a new week? Or even a new day. ? Set very specific goals, visualise them, deal with the fears and the procrastination as you take your journey to success, learning as you go.

Do I still have an annual appraisal?? Not currently but I still keep a record of events and successes over the year.? I’ve been doing this for about 7 years now.? It serves two purposes. A good look back to see what I’ve been doing but also when I’m part way through the year thinking I’ve not done much I can take a look and say oh actually I’m doing fine.? Perfect for the ambitious person who demands a lot from themselves.

As for New Year’s resolutions. Not for me.? I use the in-between days to review my manifestations and affirmations.? These, as you may have read about in my book are a daily set of phrases that I read out loud every morning. ? In 2024 I achieved some of what I would have said were ambitious, some said impossible or why even bother- it’s a lot of work.? I bothered. They were important to me.? And I did them.

Now for you.? Three takeaways that will last if you do them.

1. For 2025.? Get that blank piece of paper and write 2025 at the top. As the year passes write down the places you visit, the books you read, the successes you have. And keep at it.? You will be amazed at what you achieve. NB remember to celebrate yourself.
2. And those resolutions.? Instead, write your own 9 line manifestation and affirmations to read every morning.? Write it in the positive and write it as if it’s real and happening now.? I am loved. I am …? I am a successful x or y. ? Read them silently.? Read them out loud, read every word, visualise them existing now and then see those opportunities arrive.
3. And lastly. What will you let go of?? Maybe it’s scrolling? Maybe it’s to delete a social media app from your phone to make it a hassle to check it.? Maybe it’s to leave a difficult situation.? Maybe it’s to walk away from a toxic relationship.? Maybe it's to get shot of the clutter in your life. Whatever it is.? Take the time to let go and create new space.

To close it just leaves me to wish you all a very Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing how our journey of self discovery evolves.

Do get in touch to discuss how I can help you make 2025 even better than 2024!

All the best and Happy New Year.

Jonathan

Jonathan Mearns O.B.E.

#newyearsresolutions #annualappraisal #manifestation #affirmations