It’s hard to believe we’re three quarters of the way to a new year already. I don’t know about you, but I feel like every year I live is a little shorter than the last one.
They just keep flying by!
While most people begin reflecting on the year a little closer to December, I was reminded this week that it’s never too soon to review and reflect on your year’s goals and the progress you’ve made thus far. This week on LinkedIn Pulse, Brigette Hyacinth published an encouraging but convicting article about finishing the year strong.
Finishing strong
Personally, I have to admit that by this point in the year, I’m not always on track to finishing strong and accomplishing the goals I set back in January. After passing the year’s halfway mark on July 1st, my resolve tends to start waning. Subconsciously, I begin thinking about next year, and how next year will really be “the year” that I accomplish this or that. Meanwhile, my hope for this year slowly begins to fade.
But why? Why wait for next year to jumpstart my resolve and set my mind to accomplishing those goals? Is there something magical about January 1st? No. There’s no good reason why I can’t finish this year strong. There is still time for this year to be the year!
Are You on Track?
In her article, Brigette Hyacinth posed these seven penetrating questions for determining if you’re on track to finishing the year strong:
- “Have you accomplished what you set out to do this year?
- If not, how close are you to accomplishing your goals?
- Did you take risks or did you remain in your comfort zone?
- Are you at the same place you were last year?
- What did you accomplish?
- Are you proud of your accomplishments?
- Are you living the life you’ve always imagined?”
Those can be tough questions to ask yourself, but they’re important questions. I am happy to report that for some of my goals, I have very positive answers to those questions. But for other goals, I rather just avoid those questions and wait for next year. Do you feel the same way?
It’s Not Too Late!
If you’re feeling like this year is shot and you hope to do better next year, stop right there. NOW is the time to start focusing on those goals again. Don’t wait for next year, or next year you’ll find yourself again waiting for the next year, and then the next. Strengthen your resolve today, and decide today that you WILL finish this year strong!
For some great tips on how to do just that, read Brigette Hyacinth’s full article, “7 Ways to Finish Strong this Year.”
Question: Have you been waiting for next year to try again? Which goal can you resolve today that you will finish strong this year?
