By: Anna Crittenden & Amy Maranowicz

New beginnings represent an opportunity to reflect.

December and January are the months when many of us create new resolutions. Resolutions come in all sizes from slight lifestyle changes to a desire for more radical transformation. Others staunchly oppose New Year’s resolutions and are happy to continue on their current path.

Still others take the quiet weeks of late December and early January to identify appreciations or milestones from the previous years. As one of my colleagues said, “… for me personally, the big events of this year were real life hugs and laughing together in person. Vaccinations provided the opportunity to see friends and loved ones in real life and not on a Zoom screen.”

I recently read a book that defined being strategic as choosing the next “right” step versus trying to plan out the future in detail. This approach contrasts a lot of current thinking on success. The chapter’s premise is that life happens at the intersection of intentionality and the unexpected.

As you think about what’s ahead in the coming year, you may wish to reflect on:

• What are you most grateful for currently?
• What do you want to hold on to? What brings you joy and fulfillment?
• What have you outgrown? What do you want to let go of?
• Where are your curiosities? In what ways would exploration spark learning or action?
• Who are you now? Who are you becoming?
• What’s the next right step?

Wishing you quiet reflections that blossom into growth and fulfillment in 2022.