Another year has come and gone. Back in October, we shared our thoughts on reflection and retrospect. Now is the time of year that many decide to do this both personally and professionally.
When you evaluate your accomplishments, think about what progress, not perfection, was made. We are always evaluating what needs to be done, and most of us always have a list. Some things were completed in 2022; others will be completed in 2023 or never. One of our project managers shared that she categorizes her personal and professional life into three buckets:
Now–These are the items that are immediate, today maybe tomorrow, but their completion is critical.
Next–These are the items that may be completed tomorrow or this week. They are a close in importance to he now items but aren’t the most pressing.
Later–These are the items that can have a little more time to ideate and plan. They could be addressed next week, next month or quarter, etc.
Become efficient at leaving some things for the next day and even the next year. Practice laying out your to-do list or intentions into three buckets: NOW, NEXT, and LATER. There will always be something.
Webster’s Dictionary defines progress as “forward or onward movement toward a destination.” Progress means you keep showing up. You are doing something, anything. You are moving forward even if it means a little. Sometimes the most challenging and impactful part of progress is simply starting.
We must constantly remind ourselves that we are works in progress, and remember, it’s progression over perfection.
Setting intentions for the new year doesn’t have to be a one-time thing. Set intentions daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. If you feel led to set an intention or a goal for yourself, don’t wait until the next year. Do it now. Breathe into it. Be in the moment.
Consider writing your future self a letter. Perhaps it’s a letter to your New Year’s Eve self. Write out your intentions and where you want to be in your progress personally and professionally. Check in, and read that letter throughout the year as a tool to keep you on track.
From all of us at Etymology Consulting, we celebrate your wins and lessons learned in 2022, and we look forward to your intentional progress and growth in 2023. Don’t forget to GSD!
