My End-of-Year Reflections: Who Do You Want to Be?

I cannot lie, I am left with a heavy heart as we close 2022, the larger events of the world weighing heavily on my heart, mind and soul - the current state of turmoil in my home country Iran especially weighs heavily on my heart and mind.?

Being a change agent at heart, it pains me to be a bystander and not offer solutions. And yet in life I have learned, there is so much outside of our control. Rather than focus on those things — let's focus on what we can control.?

Each small step makes a difference. I, you, we might not see it immediately, but that should not stop us from making small positive changes.

There is light in so many places, we just need to be open to it. We see light through kindness, connection, the Moroccan football team ;)!

And that is how I close this year with you, with gratitude and small actionable steps each of us can take to create positive change and impact in our life and in the lives of those around us.

I have much to be grateful for in 2022. Professionally, I am thankful for my work with my clients. This brings me great joy and a deep sense of fulfilment. Some of my clients had significant breakthroughs and transformations. It has been such an honour being witness to their growth and development.

Did my intention for 2022 work?

I went out of my comfort zone and played in many unknown spaces this year, with connection being the intention guiding me. I created new connections, initiatives and collaborative projects, such as our Ava Coaching Collective focusing on women leaders. I continue building community through our Vienna Global Leaders platform.

Personally, I continue to be challenged on being an empty nester. It makes me question my identity as a mother, wife and friend. My journey continues.?

And as we end the year, close our projects and commitments, and take time for ourselves, for friends and family, there is that moment of quiet where we reflect on the year and think of the goals we want to achieve in 2023.

My favourite end-of-year reflection questions

Some of my?favourite end-of-year reflection questions are:

• If you could summarise 2022 in one word, what would it be??
• What moments are you proud of? What can you do to celebrate yourself?
• How did you grow??
• What did you learn??
• Where did you fail?
• How were you vulnerable?
• How did you live with purpose and intention?
• What would you most like to let go of by this year??
• What things/ activities were missing from your life this year??
• In one word, what is your intention for 2023?
• If you live a year with this intention, what does it look like?
• Who will you be? Visualise that image daily.?

Identity Before Habits: Who do you want to be?

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, reminds us to adopt a habit you need to change the behaviour and underlying beliefs that led to your past behaviour. You might set a new goal and a plan, BUT if you have not changed who you are, many times this is the reason a new habit is not formed.?

When a habit becomes part of your identity, that is the highest form of intrinsic motivation. It's one thing to say, “I am the type of person who wants X.” It's completely different to say, “I am the type of person who IS X.” The more pride you have in that part of your identity, the more motivated you will be to maintain the habits associated with it.?

The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner.?

The goal is not to learn a new instrument, the goal is to become a musician.?

One of my clients is one of the fittest and healthiest women I know. She pushes herself on a daily basis to do more, train harder and constantly improve herself.

When asked why? Why do you push yourself so hard? Why not take a break?

She told me this story:?

“I have a son. One day my son is going to get married.

I keep imagining standing beside his bride and her mother. And there is no way I am going to look worse than his mother-in-law!”?

Through this visualisation, she ensures she lives healthy and keeps fit.

So my question to you as you reflect on 2022 and set goals or intentions for 2023, is to think, WHO do you want to be?

As we close 2022, thank you for your trust and friendship.?

Wherever 2023 takes us, let's enter it intentionally and wholeheartedly and make it our best year yet!

Wishing you peaceful and relaxing holidays with your loved ones and a wonderful start into 2023.

With love and light,

Pari