Written by: Joelle Amouroux-Huttner, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Since we are well into January, it is time for a first review. Traditionally, the first part of this month is paved with good intentions and motivation. Yet, soon enough, we are confronted with our ongoing responsibilities and workload and most plans and resolutions are long forgotten by the end of the same month.
It is no rare for my clients to reach out after the first few weeks of the year, being totally exhausted, disappointed in themselves. They did not follow through with their New Year resolutions and grand plans and they fear that they will have to give up, even more, to focus on what “HAS TO” be done, leaving them feeling deflated and defeated.
As the year is still young, I would like to suggest three simple exercises to help you create a plan to move ahead with a clear vision of what is important to you and what brings you energy, so that you can keep going in the long run.
With these three exercises, you will have a game plan to help optimise your life.
Exercise 1: Honestly, what did you do in 2021?
Let’s be honest. No need to make you look good (or bad), no point in saying you did nothing, let’s make an exhaustive list of what you did in 2021. The projects, the meetings, the activities, the diners with clients or with family, the recitals for the kids… Be as detailed as you can. It helps to have your agenda for the last year open while you go through this.
Now review the list and analyse: Where did you spend your time? Any surprises? Any regrets? Evaluate.
What should you continue, what should you correct? Less time on certain activities, more time on others.
There is no right or wrong here. You are looking at what was. It’s a chance to notice patterns that you may not be aware of.
Then, decide what you want more of in your life moving forward, and schedule it in your calendar.
If you actually liked that weekend away with your team, find a way to create more occasions to get together. You want more time at the gym, then, pencil it your agenda, add a reminder and make it non-negotiable.
More than an intention, commit to those changes you want to see.
It is too easy to let time run away from you.
Define what is important to you and schedule it in, then, work the rest of your life around those items.
Exercise 2: Who did you spend time with in 2021?
The concept is the same as in the first exercise, except that the focus is on who you spent your time with and how it made you feel.
Make a list of all the people you spent time with during the last year. For each person, think about how they made you feel. We all know people who seem to energize us, and others who drain us. Identify those people who had a positive impact on you and make plans to spend more time with them. It is never too early to plan a diner party, or a weekend away. Professionally, you can schedule meetings with people who have that energy boosting effect.
In reverse, for people who tend to leave you feeling deflated and run down, it is time to get creative and to think of solutions to minimise the time you spend with them. There are certain interactions you won’t be able to avoid obviously, but there are ways to limit them.
Exercise 3: What were your successes and your failures in 2021?
Take note of what you are proud of and what… did not go as well.
Don’t judge.
Do you have any regrets, things you did not get to do, things you spent too much time on. Do you see things you would not mind spending more time doing? Things you really enjoyed and felt were energizing and fun?
While it can be a little confronting at first, this is just feedback.
Of course, we did not succeed at everything we attempted, and that’s normal. But we tend to ignore or downplay our successes, taking them for granted and we focus all our attention on what went wrong.
Unfortunately, by ignoring what went right, we deprive ourselves of an opportunity to create an energy boost that could eventually carry us through more difficult times.
So for this exercise, we need to go against our natural instinct and actually acknowledge and even celebrate our successes for 2021.
Looking at that list and your successes, find what went well. Remember, success leaves clues. Was it a great motivation, a fantastic team, a good organisation…
Now look at those events where you did not do so well, ask yourself the good questions, don’t be judgmental. What was the problem? A lack of time? Experience? Maybe, a lack of self-confidence? Again find the patterns, so that you can take corrective measures moving forward. You are looking at a way to learn the lessons so that you can improve and be more successful in the future.
When you are done, keep those tips at hand, and when you start a project, make sure you maximise the environment to increase your chances of success.
By planning your year and proactively setting up your life, you can ascertain that you will have more energy and focus to carry on with all the demands and responsibilities of your life.
In reviewing the past year and being honest with yourself, you can ensure that 2022 is your most productive and successful year.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to connect with me directly.
Joelle Amouroux-Huttner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Joelle Amouroux-Huttner is a coach specializing in burnout recovery and getting people back in flow. After a total burnout, Joelle experienced first hand the struggle of recovering mentally and emotionally after a burnout. She learned methods to help herself recover and regain her self-confidence. She never looked back and has strive ever since. She has dedicated her life to helping others manage their stress, strive and live life to the fullest. Her international clients include CEOs, top managers, Leaders, actors and performers, students. Her mission is to help you thrive – not survive – despite the pressures of our modern-day, fast-paced business world. The goal is freedom, fun, and more than a little joy.
