Goals. Year in Review. Happy New Year.

It is hard to believe that 2011 is over in just 2 days.
Where did it go?
As another year comes to a close, this is a good day to reflect on the following questions:

Goals — Year in Review

1. Of the goals you set this year, which ones did you accomplish in 2011?
2. What did it take for you to accomplish those goals?
3. What do you want to accomplish in 2012?

As I reflect on my own life this past year, my answers present a telling story of a 1/58^th slice of my life.

1. What did I accomplish in 2011? – At the beginning of 2011, I had 3 overriding goals: get organized, get more connected to family/friends, and get fit. I was seriously committed to 2 of them, and as a result, I successfully accomplished 2 of the 3.
   1. I got more organized. In January I hired a professional organizer to get me on track, and gratefully I maintained throughout the year.
   2. I stayed more connected to friends and family, and social media was only one vehicle for staying connected.  I invested in face-to-face and telephone time. I had more lunches with girlfriends, talked to more friends on the phone, made more of an effort to meet people for coffee, and sent more “Just Thinking of You” greeting cards.
   3. I was not as successful with my fitness goals, although I did get all of my medical screenings done, e.g., mammogram, eye doctor, annual exam, quarterly dental cleanings. I also did 2 half-marathons. But again, this area left room to be desired.
2. What did it take to accomplish my successful goals in 2011? It took:
   1. A real bona fide “intention” to make them happen
   2. A willingness to do the footwork, even when I did not want to
   3. A willingness to stay on track
   4. Getting started early in the year, and not putting it off
   5. Daily written reminders
   6. A willingness to be imperfect, but to try  anyway
   7. Support
3. What are my goals for 2012?
   1. Maintain organization
   2. Maintain staying connected to family and friends
   3. Get fit
   4. Publish my 3^rd book
   5. Devote time and energy to developing a new area
      of practice (wills & trusts) and focus on educating and helping older married/divorced/widowed women

So what about you? As you look back on your 2011, what did you accomplish? What did it take to be successful? What are your goals for 2012?  I’m interested in what you have to say. Join the conversation on my Esteemable Acts Blog, my Esteemable Acts Facebook Fan Page, or in one of my LinkedIn discussion groups.
Until then, HAPPY New Year!