When I think about it, it’s typically about now, as we head towards the end of January, that I sit down to do this. This gives me an opportunity to spend some time unwinding and relaxing so I actually have the headspace to do this reflecting and thinking… so here we are.  

Reviewing the year’s intentions

I don’t always follow a particular approach, but I do think about the broad areas of my life and reflect back on the past 12 months in terms of what I achieved, based on what I intended to achieve. It’s not really a review of goals for me, but rather a review of my intentions for the year. For me, the use of SMART goals doesn’t work, as things change so much over a year and especially now we are in the midst of COVID. I’ve been very fortunate in that what I intended to achieve in 2021 pretty much happened, in spite of some of the significant challenges that I faced.

Setting a focus word

We are moving into another uncertain year and one that is likely to be more unpredictable than the past two years. My focus word for this year is ‘transition’. I have just resigned from a long-term CEO role and moved into what I describe as a more flexible career journey of Non-Executive Director roles and running my coaching practice. I am looking forward to more time to spend doing the things that I love doing in 2022. 

Starting with a healthy foundation

Given the changes ahead, I encourage you to spend more time focussing on your own health and wellbeing, which also includes your mental health… I know that I will be. Getting this bit right is the foundation for achieving whatever else we want to achieve. Looking after ‘you’ is so important and yet, for many of us (including me!) these areas were somewhat neglected last year.

For me in 2022, this means things like: 

• Daily exercise
• Regular massages
• Losing some extra weight accumulated in last year
• Attending retreats and day spas
• Catching up with family and friends
• Kinesiology and reflexology
• Healthy eating
• Good sleep
• Learning through reading and listening to podcasts and webinars
• New hobbies
• Going to the movies
• Starting a gratitude journal
• Continuing to give back to the community
• Spending time in reflection
• Doing new fun things

What are you planning to do in 2022 to look after ‘you’?

The post Reflecting and planning as the new year begins: How I do this appeared first on Angie Paskevicius.

I often talk about change being the only constant… and the reality is that we continue to live in an uncertain changing world where no-one really knows what the ‘new’ or ‘next’ normal looks like. What we do know is that uncertainty and disruption are part of our daily lives. This presents challenges for all of us. No wonder many people are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed as the year draws to a close. 

As leaders, we have an important role to not only support the people we lead, but to make sure that we are looking after ourselves as well.

“Life is not about answers. It is about learning to live in the middle of complete uncertainty and doing so gracefully.” – Swami Chetanananda

What are some of the practical ways that we can do this?

• Setting boundaries
• Learning to say ‘no’
• Managing competing priorities
• Taking time to work on the business, rather than in the business
• Spending time on reflection
• Practising meditation and mindfulness
• ‘Responding’ rather than ‘reacting’ in difficult situations
• Listening to our inner voice with confidence
• Seeking support from a ‘trusted advisor’

In this new world, being agile and adaptable to changing circumstances is something that all leaders must embrace – and looking after yourself comes first, in order to handle these challenges.

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As we get closer to Christmas it’s time to think about looking after yourself so you can give to others in 2019. 

Just surviving the frantic pace of getting all the loose ends tied up so you can get out of the office for the holiday period can be stressful enough. For many, having to get the house in order and plan the Christmas Day menu can be a stressor if you are hosting family and friends.

So what can you do to look after yourself at this often busy time to make sure that you are in a great space to start 2019? For me it’s all about moderation. Eat, drink and party in moderation…and….

·      Don’t forget to exercise – it may not make a huge difference, but getting out and about can just take the edge off all that extra eating. I try to take short walks every day to maintain a regular routine.

·      For many people, Christmas is a time for social drinking. It’s good to enjoy other people’s company but I always make sure that I drink responsibly. 

·      I always like to plan for some pampering in January when I’m on leave. For me it’s usually a facial and all the add ons that go with it. My regular massage is always booked in as well.

·      Catching up with family and friends for coffee, lunch or dinner is a chance to relax and enjoy other people’s company when you don‘t have to worry about work the next day.

·      I also spend time catching up on my reading. I have a growing pile of books that I purchase during the year and I love to make the time to read some of these.

·      I make sure that I plan some time for reflection – reflecting back on 2018 and reflecting forward about 2019. I find that different people approach this in many varied ways. For me, I like to write down my reflections when I have some quiet time. It helps me focus. I’m a strong believer in the power of the universe. Once on paper, the intention is set and the universe plays its part for me.

….and finally, for me, I’m away when all of the after Christmas sales are on. You may recall from a previous post that I find shopping very relaxing, almost mindful! So when I’m back in Perth, I will be checking out the shops when things are a bit quieter and enjoying time on my own.

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