2 Months into 2020: a Mini-Reflection
Earlier this week I looked at my calendar and my eyes popped….it’s already the last week of February?? How did THAT happen?! Wowza, time flies!
I sat for a moment to reflect on the first two months of 2020….there’s been a lot going on!
As I paused to think about the goals and intentions I set for the year, I started to assess what I’ve done to support them thus far. Then…not surprisingly, my brain quickly shifted, and I began to list all the things I have not done yet.
That’s just SO human, right?
I have the distinct honor and pleasure of working with others, helping them to achieve their financial wellness goals. I’m always sharing lessons from my own experiences and hope you find these two tips from my impromptu “2 Months into 2020 Mini Reflection” helpful.
1. Action creates clarity
I’m a thinker. I’m curious by nature and have been known to think about all kinds of things…and then think about them some more J But I know from experience that sometimes you just gotta stop thinking and start doing!!
For example, say you’ve been thinking about skiing in Switzerland. You’ve had visions of swishing through the Alps and you’ve been dreaming about what a real Swiss hot chocolate tastes like at Après Ski in Verbier.
Could I do that? Should I go skiing in Switzerland?
I don’t know. Maybe. One thing I DO know is that when you start engaging with your vision, you’ll get more clarity.
The same time and energy you spend fantasizing about your new parka on the slopes can also be spent doing research and figuring out how to make your trip a reality. When you start taking tangible and real action, you will learn more about what excites you and what bores you.
Who knows? Maybe after pricing plane tickets and researching European ski culture, you’ll decide that Norway is more your style! That’s the kind of clarity that comes from taking action – not just thinking.
Especially when considering your financial goals, it’s important to engage. It’s not enough to simply think about your goals, taking action is how you will achieve them!
2. Take 3 minutes to celebrate your accomplishments every week
It’s a simple exercise to acknowledge and appreciate what we have completed – and what we are proud of – but it’s not one we do very often. Yet, it can be incredibly powerful.
This exercise can set a positive foundation to support the achievement of any goal. In fact, I have some friends who built a “Celebrate & Reflect” component into their weekly planning and scheduling routines.
That feeling of satisfaction you get from a job well done? Those positive emotions that stir up inside when you receive a genuine compliment? Why not create that for yourself before you tackle any big project?
By routinely taking a few moments to jot down things you’re proud of and can learn from, you will cultivate a mindset of positivity and growth.
My impromptu 2020 mini reflection reminded me that even though life can be complex and confusing, we have the ability to control how we approach it. When you realize you’re caught in thinking circle, take action! And when you’re feeling anxious about your to-do list, stop and recognize all that you have done!
It’s an ongoing practice to be an advocate for your own wellness. Good thing we have an extra day this week for you to practice :)