How to Start the New Year Strong.

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"Finish Strong so that You Can Start?Stronger"

One great way to start a new year on a good note is to end the current one on a solid note, and this concept is what most refer to as finishing strong. To finish strong requires reflection and quick action.

Here are three things you should do in the year's final weeks.

1. Review

Experts have reiterated that conducting your end-of-year review is a great way to round out the year. This requires time to pause and reflect upon all the fantastic things experienced and accomplished in the year.

This reflection invariably positions you to learn and discover future possibilities in the new year. Could yomake time on your calendar for this task? Here are some prompts to consider during your reflection.

Jot down your ideas in your journal.

This powerful habit lets you see your learnings, wins, failures, and missed opportunities.

Here are some questions to help with your reflection:

1. How did I do against my goals? And how relevant were they?
2. What insights and discoveries came up for you in the process?
3. If you replicate 2022 in 2023, will that make 2023 a success? Why or Why not?

2. Celebrate

After you've spent some time reflecting on the year, switch gears and appreciate those who have contributed to your success and celebrate your wins. Knowing this year was challenging and that you accomplished so much has a way of providing impetus to look into the future with optimism. While you wished things were more manageable, you will realize you became more resilient, withstood a lot, and overcame.

It is easy to focus on what you didn't accomplish, and I want to remind you that you shouldn't discount how resilient and strong you've been all year. The post-pandemic years are unprecedented terrains that continue to demand adaptability and flexibility.

Next, remember that no one is an island, and your success is a collective effort. Finally, let your tribe - family and close friends know how much their support, trust, and confidence meant to you. Don't forget to also write ??? down the coaches, mentors, and sponsors who talked to you, with you, and about you in 2022.

Could you send a note, an email, a text, or a handwritten note this coming week?

3. Anticipate

After you've spent time reflecting and appreciating, it's time to switch gears and ponder. To ponder means to think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.

To ponder means to "contemplate, consider, review, reflect on, mull over, meditate on, muse on, deliberate about, cogitate on, dwell on, brood on, ruminate on, chew over, puzzle over, turn over in one's mind."

Here are a few things I typically ponder upon —

• The theme of the year — I consider what word, phrase, or sentence will be the anchor for the year.
• With a theme in mind, I imagine what habits I have developed that I should continue, start and stop doing. This affirms the premise of a lifelong learning journey.
• Next, I categorize my goals into these five categories — mental, physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual.
• Next, I review and ensure my goals are SMART goals - specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
• Lastly, I identify five people (coaches, mentors, and accountability partners) I need to help with my goals. I often confirm these individuals in the new year.

There is so much ahead in the new year, and I look forward to hearing your stories.

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Dr. Flo is a #Hybrid Leader - American-born, British Trained, and Nigerian Raised. A Leadership Psychologist, Inclusion Strategist, and Executive Coach @Korn Ferry. Host, The Leadership Coach Podcast.