2010's A Wrap - Bring On 2011

With a few days left in 2010, let’s call it a wrap.  Here’re some questions to help you close out this year.

Wrap Up 2010

What were the breakdowns and disappoints of 2010?   Get them out of the way.  Write them down and let them go. 

List your Successes, Wins, and Accomplishments.    Your list should have at least 25 wins on it.   Need reminding?  Check your calendar, Facebook, ask friends, etc. to review the year. Own that you really did these things. 

How are you personally and professionally different since 2010 began?    What did you learn?
This is the stuff MBA school doesn’t teach.  True insights have the transformational capability of shifting you into a new,  more alive place!

What are you most grateful for?   You’re using the basic principle:  whatever you appreciate and give thanks for will increase in your life.   This list could have at least 100 things on it.  Go ahead, be audacious and write them down.  Seeing is appreciating.

How will you celebrate your 2010 accomplishments?   This honors you, your tenacity and boldness.   It could be the beginning of an annual ritual.   What would be a fun, special thing to do for yourself?  With whom do you want to share it?

Now it's time to take the best of  2010 into 2011.   Create your New Year!   Bring on 2011.

How will you create your new year 2011?    Each year I select a theme to remind me daily how to be to accomplish my goals.   My 2010 theme is Be Bold, Be Happy, Play Big since I was tired of missing some goals.  I posted it in key places in my office, bathroom and frig so it's in my face.  Each time I think about being small, sad or shy, it reminded me they weren't the plan.  I love bright colors and art so I drew my theme big and bold.  What’s  your  theme?   What would it look like? What is a metaphor you can use?  Get creative, out of the box and have a good time with it.

What from 2010 do you not want to repeat?   Think about all events that happened within your company/department and the effect they had on you and your team.  Ask your associates for their ideas, too, if you’re at a loss.  These are hard, unforgettable lessons learned. 

What do you want more of that happened last year?    Include everything no matter how big or small. Ask your associates for this, too.

Where can you be fearless in 2011 regarding your business?    Get out of your way and step up to your greatness.    What one habit do you need to trash?

What’s the biggest personal goal you have?   Look at your life and wake up that idea or dream.  What is it? How can you breathe life into it, embrace it and make it happen?   Who can help you?  How would your life be if this happened?
If you answer candidly half these questions, you’re on your way to a smart 2011.  I’m rooting for you and your success.   Need some help?  Let me know – I’d love to hear your goals and ideas.  Make 2011 your smartest year yet. 

Get Outta My Way: 8 Ways to Stop Self Sabotage

“Oh, yes.  I’m glad to help you. “ Leslie said. “What do you need and when?”   Sally replied, “Tomorrow.  I know your inbox is full and you’re under deadline. I do need your help.  Thanks. That really helps me out.”

“A full inbox and under deadline is an understatement”, Leslie thinks.  “Already I’m late with my own  project and here I am saying yes.  Why did I do that?  Why didn’t I say NO?  I want Sally to like me …”

How many times have you done this?   You just sabotaged yourself - again.  How can you change that?  With the same clarity and cunning that your Inner Critic – aka the Bitch - uses, you can overcome your saboteurs.   Here’re a few ways to begin.

·         Know you have to change. Habits can get you ahead and habits will keep you stuck.  You’re leaving your comfort zone behind.  Make a decision to change and be willing to be uncomfortable until you assimilate new beneficial behaviors.

·         Notice what you say and what you think when you say it.  Are you saying yes when you want to say no?  Are you letting people waste your time and make you late?  Are you being polite so you won’t hurt their feelings? Pay attention to what you say and what you’re thinking as you say it. 

·         Ask what you’re getting out of sabotaging yourself.    Do you get to stay in your comfort zone?  Get to be liked?  Look good?  What’s in it for you to keep doing these things?

·         Explore different options/ways of behaving.  Rather than letting inane conversation eat up your time to be liked or polite, what would happen if you honored yourself and your time?  Could you say “Let’s talk more about this later.” and claim your time?  Remember the airlines have an agreement with you that the plane leaves with or without you.

·         What’s the smart woman’s way?  Look at mentors and leaders in Women in Insurance and Financial Services.   What do they do that you’re not doing?  What can you learn from them?

Busting your saboteurs is a process.  As much as I want to give you a quick fix, I can’t.  It’s a process and takes time.    Following are more proven methods to use and begin building a solid foundation.

·         Team up with a like-minded trusted friend who wants to shake her sabotaging ways.   Set each other up for success by agreeing to check in daily at first to review your behaviors, support each other and hold each other accountable to change. 

·         Include fun rewards for successes and incremental changes, no matter how small.   You are making progress and deserve rewards.

·         Acknowledge yourself for your successes and failures.  If you didn’t make a change, it’s ok today. Tomorrow will bring another chance to do it again. 

In Smart Women Make Their Own Rules, I write “Blessed is the smart woman who changes what gets in her way.  She shall have an easier life.”