Mark Twain reminds us that we should take our brains out once in a while and stomp on them up because they get all caked up. I’m a firm believer in the value of asking provocative questions each December to prepare for the next. Since this year is winding down, now is a great time to ponder the following sets of questions. The first set of 18 questions encourage you to reflect back on 2017, the next 18 anticipate the coming year. Relish these questions on your own, or share with others.
Reviewing 2017
- What has been the very best thing about this year so far for you?
- What new skills or talents did you discover in yourself?
- What are you most grateful during this year?
- What made you feel most alive and why?
- What are the greatest family experiences you enjoyed?
- What work contributions do you feel most proud of?
- What is the most important life lesson you learned?
- How did you grow professionally?
- Who are the cherished new friends you made?
- Who or what inspired you?
- What was the best opportunity you took advantage of so far?
- What’s the most meaningful thing you did for the three people you love most?
- What is the most outrageous thing you did?
- What was the biggest risk you took and how did it turn out?
- What gave you a real sense of joy?
- What was the smartest decision you made?
- What most surprised you about yourself?
- What obsolete goals are you willing to let go of now?
Looking Towards 2018
- If you could write one news headline about you and make it come true, what would it be?
- What will be your number one focus during 2018?
- What would you have to believe about yourself to make the coming year your best ever?
- What limiting beliefs would be useful to drop?
- How can you better support your friends and family?
- What new professional skills would be smart to gain?
- What is one old limiting habit you are committed to change in the year ahead?
- Who do you choose to forgive?
- How can you make your community/nation better?
- What is one positive new habit you are committed to acquiring?
- What is one change you could make to improve your health?
- What new or neglected old hobby would you like to spend time on?
- How can you add more fun and adventure in the coming year?
- What new opportunities do you anticipate will unfold?
- What new gifts will you invite to unfold in you?
- How will you help others to be more successful?
- What would you like to do that would totally surprise most people who know you?
- What would become possible for you if suddenly all your limitations disappeared?
Now, with fresh insights bubbling in your brain, turn some of these into action items. Take some first steps so that the coming year is your most enjoyable, productive, and loving season of your life.
_____________
Terry Schmidt facilitates culture-changing and life-inspiring event which boost performance and productivity. His audiences have included nuclear engineers, psychiatric nurses, state governors, geeks, and CEOs. Check out www.ManagementPro.com for more information.
