The changing of the year is a special time. We make it special by turning our attention to the bigger time frame of a year rather than our usual daily or weekly concerns. Using this annual cycle to reflect and plan creates momentum for our long term goals: those things we want to produce over many years and over our lifetimes.
Here's a simple exercise you can use to maximize your learning from the year just past and create momentum for your goals in the coming year.
1) Write down between 30 and 50 things that happened to you last year. It sounds like a lot, but it is surprisingly easy to do when you review all aspects of your life such as your work, health, wealth, relationships, environment, recreation, learning etc.
2) For each item, write down a) what you gained, b) what you lost and c) what you learned.
3) Write down at least 20 things you intend to experience or produce in the coming year.
4) Note a completion date for each item in the future.
5) Write down what you will gain, lose and learn for each item in the future.
What is the impact of this exercise on you?