It's that time of year again – the season of reflection and renewal. For those who've been following this blog for a while, you know this article is a holiday tradition for us. Each year, as the calendar turns, we share a set of thought-provoking questions designed to help you process the past year's experiences and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges that the new year brings.
Image by Annette Meyer from Pixabay
Dedicating just a few distraction-free minutes (as little as 10 will do the trick) to reflect can help you walk away with substantial insights. We've heard from both our coaching clients and dedicated readers that these end-of-year questions help build momentum and set a positive tone for the year to come.
Ready to get started? Just grab a pen and paper. (Yes, you can use your computer if you want, but you'll get the most out of this exercise if you write your answers out by hand because it engages your brain differently.) Remember, the goal isn't perfection; it's simply capturing your initial thoughts as they arise. There's immense value in slowing down and listening to your own insights.
What Did You Learn About Your Leadership in 2023?
What did you observe about yourself as a leader over the past year? What recurring themes or patterns did you notice?
One thing I realized this year was that I really benefited from putting myself in different settings with different people. These experiences exposed me to new ideas, shifted my thinking and added some new relationships to my network. I’ll maintain this focus as a way to continue to broaden my thinking in 2024.
What Did You Learn from Other Leaders?
Our growth as leaders often hinges on the wisdom and experiences of those around us. What lessons did you glean from your interactions with other leaders? Reflecting on those experiences can illuminate your path forward.
In 2023, I saw more leaders who embody the idea that vulnerability is strength. (Or maybe I’m spending my time with bolder leaders!) They remind us that everything doesn’t have to look perfect and that it’s OK to share your ups and downs because it gives others permission to be more authentic about their own experiences.
What Do You Want to Take Forward Into 2024?
Successful leaders recognize the importance of self-awareness. Do you pause often enough to acknowledge your accomplishments and how you achieved them? Identifying your 2023 wins and the strategies that fueled them will help you be more deliberate in using those strategies.
For me, 2023 was the first year without physical constraints since my surgeries in 2020. I got back to exercising regularly and was able to take some adventurous trips. Both things helped me keep my energy level high, and I plan to tap into the power of being in nature, exercising and traveling in 2024.
What Do You Want to Leave Behind?
Have you experienced any setbacks, conflicts, limiting beliefs or lingering thoughts about changes you've been through this year? Resilience is not merely about powering through; it involves proactive introspection and learning. Reflecting on setbacks allows you to identify what may have impeded your progress and empowers you to make more informed choices in 2024.
When I thought about this question, I realized that in my eagerness to get New Lens® out to a broader audience and democratize access leadership development, I was spending too much time focusing on the gaps instead of my progress. We had some huge wins this year that I allowed to be clouded by my giant goals. Next year, I plan to focus on my passion and progress and celebrate our successes a bit more.
As you prepare for 2024, equip yourself and your team with powerful tools designed to drive high performance and advance careers. If you haven't explored it yet, checkout our award-winning New Lens app which is designed to do just that. Schedule a demo now, and let's explore how New Lens can elevate you and your team in the coming year.
Finally, I so appreciate you being part of our community in 2023. This marks our final article for the year, but we're excited to return in the first week of 2024 with more resources to help you achieve your goals. All of us at Newberry Solutions wish you a joyous holiday season, a reflective close to 2023 and a prosperous start to 2024!