The Christmas and New Year break is a good time to reflect on your personal and business life over the last year, where you are now and what you would like to achieve over the next year.

When you are busy in your daily life you don't often get time for reflection. However, taking some time out to reflect can help you to put everything into perspective and to decide the best way forward.

Here are some questions for you:

Reflect on your life over the last year
-What have you achieved over the last year?
-What has gone well for you?
-What has not gone so well?
-What have you enjoyed doing?
-What has been successful?
-What have you learnt?

Consider where you are now
-How happy are you with your life right now?
-What are you most grateful for?
-What makes you feel valued?
-How balanced is your life?
-What motivates you?
-What would make you happier?
-What is missing from your life?
-What would you like to change?
-In your business, what are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats?

Your plans for the year ahead
-What do you want to achieve over the next year?
-What do you want to do differently?
-What new things do you want to try?
-What do you want to stop doing?
-What are the first steps you are going to take?
-What help do you need?
-Where are you going to get the help you need?
-How committed are you to achieving your plans?
-When you are reflecting in a year's time what will you be happy that you have achieved?

This article first appeared in the December 2007 edition of the Makin It Happen - Coaching, Mentoring & Stress Management newsletter.

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