Action: Close the Year & Appreciate Your Growth

This series of blog posts focuses on the Action component of the Together Evolving model. To achieve lasting results, take one intentional step forward at a time.

As the holidays approach and the sun sets on 2023, it becomes an ideal time for reflection.  What made this year unique for you?  What hurdles did you overcome? How did you evolve? 

Pausing to reflect provides you with the breadth and depth of your leadership impact.  You grew this year, likely in more ways than you know. This action is designed to pull the wisdom from your 2023 experiences.

Begin by schedule one hour of time for year-end reflection.  Select a time when you can focus and recount the entire year.  Use your leadership journal to answer the following questions:

What were the highlights of my leadership role in 2023?  What stood out to me as the most fulfilling parts of the year?

What did I struggle with in my leadership role in 2023?  How did I work through these challenges? If I am still working through something difficult, how do I move forward?

What wisdom do I want to take with me into to 2024?  We learn from celebrations and missteps, and your experiences will guide you in the future.

Getting started can be a challenge; a year is a long time.  I recommend revisiting your calendar to see how you spent your days.  What events, meetings, and experiences highlighted your year?  From there, think about how each of them made you feel. 

Identify where you were able to shine in your leadership.  Perhaps you gave an amazing presentation to your organization to showcase what your team is doing.  Did you onboard a new employee who is now thriving in her role?  Note the great moments.

Conversely, recount the struggles you faced. What do you recall that immediately makes you cringe?  Maybe you had a meeting with a direct report that became uncomfortable.  Perhaps a client gave difficult feedback to you or your team.  Be honest about the things that were hard, and challenge yourself to find the gift in each situation. The longer ago it was, the more likely you will see the gift.

Every event from 2023 triggers feelings, and the feelings make each experience come alive again in the present.  Process the feelings, acknowledge the learns, and consider who you are now as a result.  The year was full of opportunities to grow.  How did it change you? 

The wisdom you’ll gain from this exercise may surprise you. Give yourself the time to let the reflections fully surface and guide you forward.

Bonus: do the same thing for your life experiences in 2023.  You'll recognize priorities and use the knowledge to get intentional with 2024 planning.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving.  Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.