As we go into the month of December, it is a feeling of “endings” because of the calendar year. A time to wrap things up (other than gifts lol). A time to look back and reflect on what accomplishments we have made in the past year. A time you are assessing the past. Some people make “New Year Resolutions” and check things off their list. Others, may take on new roles in business.
So, my question to you is this. What have you accomplished this year?
How many things have you learned and applied? (Note: if you haven’t applied them, you haven’t learned them, despite what you may think).
Are you satisfied with your growth, or disappointed because you expected too much from yourself?
I am asking these questions because sometimes it is great to look back over a time period and make a list of the things we have accomplished. Write them down! You may be surprised how many things you have learned and applied over one year. Doing this can lift your spirits because you may not have received the results you “expected” but have taken great strides toward accomplishing your goals, just because of the knowledge you have attained.
If you find you have been doing some great “learning” without “application”, then determine to take more action. You learned so many things, so start to apply at least one. Know that if you haven’t applied something, you haven’t really learned it, despite what you may think
If you have met all your expectations and are satisfied, then celebrate in some way.
If you are dissatisfied with your list, then take a moment and take a look at your expectations. Are you expecting too much from yourself? Ahh…some people do. So let it be a learning curve for you, to scratch some tasks off your list.
I am one of those people that had high expectations. No, I wasn’t disappointed in myself, but rather wanted to push myself even further along the path of the accomplishments I seek to make. Now, we know where that often leads….Overwhelm, giving up, or just plain feeling down.
Accomplishing tasks that we want to do can be difficult when running our own business. This year, when I caught myself juggling too much, I found a little trick to get myself back on track. I wrote about this in a previous blog post called Mind State Change. And boy oh boy, using this has helped me accomplish more that I ever imagined.
So, as the old year comes to an end, be positive my friends. Measure all that you have accomplished, even the small tasks. Determine to improve where you have failed. More important, celebrate everything you did accomplish, knowing it will propel you to even greater heights in the year to come. I bet it will give you that feel-good reflection that will bring ever greater growth in the year to come!
Blessings,
Donna
P.S. I encourage you to comment and share your thoughts.
Hi Donna,
you are asking some powerful questions for self reflection.
Looking at what we have accomplished is a great suggestion.
For me the accomplishments that I am grateful for are on the level of facing and embracing feelings that I have put in the ‘deep freeze’ as a child and achieving a deeper connection with my inner child.
This has helped me to reprogram my neural pathways and I am starting to see changes which help me to move into inspired action instead of cracking the whip of motivation.
Thank you so much for this encouragement to reflect.
Love and Light
Yorinda
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Hi Yorinda.
I like the way you named it your “deep freeze”….I’m still working on my inner child issues. Guess it is something where a “trigger” comes up and we need to go back and fix it.
I have reprogrammed so much in my life coming from an alcoholic family, I still go in for a inner child “check up” once in a while when I realize a trigger.
Thanks for your awesome comment,
Donna
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Twitter: WillenaRose
December 16, 2012 at 3:27 pm #
I have been called an “information junkie”, and I’m afraid it’s more true than I like to admit. Not only am I packrat when it comes to books and a few other things, but I am also a packrat when it comes to ebooks, mp3s and other info files on the computer! Taking action is a tough one, because when you amass a tremendous amount of info, where do you start?? This past year I have gained clarity in a number of areas, and have begun to take action. And it feels good!
Willena
I’m glad that you have taken action Willena!
There is so much information to be obtained that we can easily get sucked into that void.
I try not to download anything or purchase books or ebooks unless I have FINISHED and acted upon what I have just learned. It could be a blog post, or a campaign. Either way, when I first came into this business all I did was bog myself down with too much information.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Self-Confidence
I’ve found it helpful to write down both my disappointments and my personal victories, making sure each list balances out the other. Then I seek to create personal guidelines for the next year based on what I’ve learned from my disappointments and victories lists.
Great way of looking at it Steve!
I also write down my “disappointments” which I like to call “things that did not get done” and try to focus on it for the next fiscal year.
Each time we have something disappointing or something victorious happen to us it is important for us to be able to learn from it.
Thanks!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Self-Confidence
Hello Donna,
This is the time of the year for me to reflect on all the things
that have worked and haven’t worked so well.
Time to adjust and time to release.
Sometimes I think we try to learn way to many things that really
aren’t needed and like you said we don’t apply them.
Alice
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Hi Alice,
If I wrote a list of all that I didn’t apply this year, I would run to bed and put the covers over my head! But, what I did learn was to eliminate all those shiny objects and keep things more simple.
Learn and apply. I’m still working on it.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging Ethics
Interesting questions. This year I learnt a lot and implemented a lot new things into my life and business.
Hi Bruno,
As long as you implemented things, you are on the right track! So many sit back and learn, but not put things into action. BRAVO to you my friend.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging Ethics
Hi Donna,
Loving your positive beginning and ending in this post!
It is often when we pause and reflect that we can appreciate the little successes that we have accomplished. Often, many small steps done over a long period of time can produce great results!
Life is all about moving forward. Improving is GREAT! We have different values and purposes. Are we moving towards a life that is meaningful to us? If yes, there is great reason for celebration.
For me, I cannot quantify how much I have achieved in term of progressing with connecting with more like-minded people online! I am blessed to be connected to you in this year too, Donna 🙂
Viola Tam
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Perfect Donna. I experienced a whirlwind of aha moments this year and I believe that I’ve learned valuable lessons from each and every one of them. Love your idea of writing them all down along with asking the laser focused question that you suggest here.
Thanks Donna – great way to assess the year and make a solid move into 2013.
Dena 🙂
Hi Dena-Lynn
I love your new gravar! Yes writing them down actually surprises you once you start the list.
I often like to do this to focus myself on where to put more effort on in my business.
Thanks for stopping by,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Hey Donna,
I have missed my visits to your blog. I have to make sure I visit on a regular basis, because there is such great content here.
Thanks for sharing this post to get us to think and reflect on the year that has gone by more quickly than I can imagine.
As a part time Networker, one of the frustrations is that it takes days to do things that can be done in hours and weeks for things that can be done in days and so on.
But, I have developed my self discipline in many areas so that I can take ACTION on a DAILY basis and still feel that I am making positive strides.
I think it is important to finish the year strong and I feel that the last 90 days has put me where I need to be going into 2013 feeling confident that I am getting closer to my ultimate goal.
My blog is ” Success ONE Day At A Time” and I know that this is a process and does take time. So, I have been Persistent and Consistent and for me… that has me moving in the RIGHT direction.
To your continued success,
Marc
Awesome Marc!
Your blog is great! I always thought you were a full time marketer. I guess it is because of your disciple and your consistent actions.
I find that when we are consistent in our tasks, it can be part time or full time, we do make better strides in business.
I wear many hats myself. An Entrepreneur for most of my life, I juggle not only my on line business, but my psychic consultations that I’ve been doing for almost 30 years – that takes at least 4 hours of my day, a hobby turned business that is dealing with antiques, and a few investment houses. Wow! When I look back I have to put each category and see how much I’ve done.
I surprise myself! Guess it is because I have so many interests.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
To be completely honest with myself, I have done tons of learning and little on the way of application until the later part of the year. I guess its shiny object syndrome. Or my lack of attention when I get bored with something. But now that i am out of the Army, I can really focus on building my business and no longer have an excuse for not doing so.
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Hi Clint,
Learning is earning! Once we apply it. From following you, I don’t get the impression that you are scattered. You are a great blogger and teacher. I always learn something from you!
Now it’s time to clean up some of those shiny objects, and stick to the ones that will work for you.
Blessings,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: usmile
November 30, 2012 at 1:49 pm #
Hi my friend,
It’s been a good year. Bittersweet. Full of personal learnings. I write about them in my journals. I think this past year has positioned my mindset to accomplish more next year with clarity. I don’t feel so scattered, I am more directed. This year went really fast, so overal, to answer your question – I am satisgied with 2012… And, thank you for asking! 🙂 Blessings 🙂
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Hi Lesly,
I’ve seen you go through many changes this year – mostly a learning curve wasn’t it. But I think you found your “voice” out here and next year you will put it into action…woo hoo!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
I accomplished managing my payroll and taxes at lot better this year than I have the previous years in my business. I have mastered social media (mostly) and built a solid brand this year and helped another company startup. All and all, it’s been a pretty successful year and I will be prepared to set the bar a little higher next year.
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Garen,
All that in one year? Bravo my friend. That is quite an accomplishment over a short time. I know how much time these things do take.
It is so great to see what you have done and then build upon that. Best wishes for 2013!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Goal setting and then being accountable to yourself for achieving positive results is the key to long term success. We all have been guilty of not always pushing the envelope. That is my plan for 2013. I plan to exceed the goals that I set for myself. Great reminder and thanks.
Martin Casper recently posted..Build Your SEO and Link Building Success Through Guest Blogging
Hey Martin,
Oh that goal setting! Sometimes I make my goals too high. Maybe I am forgetting that I have to write in time to sleep lol
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: simpblognetwork
November 29, 2012 at 5:12 pm #
Hi Donna,
What a very timely post. I am not sure where this year has gone. This year has really been one of new beginnings, figuring some stuff out, making some changes and getting rid of the stuff that just doesn’t feel right with me anymore.
I know I have a few more hurdles to overcome in early 2013 but I am ready for them and I know in my heart 2013 is going to be my pivotal year. I just can’t see it being anything less than that.
I wish you and David a truly amazing 2013 also.
Great things are coming.
Beth 🙂
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Thank you Beth!
I have gone through the same kind of thing this year. All about weeding out what I didn’t need to be doing in my business. The biggest change I have made is working with David more closely.
We put together all our positive points and are rolling out with a new webinar series soon. It took a lot of testing and tweaking, but all the tech decisions are made and are in place.
2013 will be more of a blend of our abilities together. Heck, that’s what we do anyway, so why not merge?
Wishing you a wonderful 2013
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Hey Donna
Wonderful ideas as always. We have a great opportunity at the end of the year to take a “gut check” and be honest with ourselves (or not) about our marketing efforts, and ask if what we’ve been doing is truly serving us and our family.
I really appreciate you being so straightforward. I had to do this, and what I came up with was rather stark. I was NOT happy with my list. I was NOT happy with my income. I was NOT happy with the inertia I felt like I was continually in all the time. It was all ME, ME, ME. I made a decision to take action and go in a bold direction, and the results are already proving strong. I have not abandoned anything I was previously doing, but rather made an adjustment.
I think sometimes as good leaders, all we have to do is stand back an look at the whole picture, like you are saying in this post and ask the tough questions, and then make COURSE CORRECTIONS. (Jim Rohn/ Ann Feinstein)
What is not good is to start all over and dump out the baby with the bath water! That is not good! You spend so much time working your self to the bone, and destroy something, when all you had to do was “massage” it a little…you know?
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Thank you Laura,
Making that list and seeing what we weren’t satisfied with tells us that we need to make some adjustments. I usually do this at the end of each month. Not only to see where I need to adjust things, but most importantly that I can reinforce myself and give a pat on the back so to say.
It works well. And Yes, I totally agree that it is not good to start all over again because it IS throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Thank you for your awesome response,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
These are great questions Donna, we tend to forget asking ourselves our accomplishments because we ask too much from ourselves.
While I was omitting doing this exercise looking back and being grateful and proud of myself this year I did it.
The number of wins, successes are numerous and this gives me energy to do more and this time with less effort, savoring every moment of life!
Thank you for these great questions, these questions need to be addressed each week or each month so that we keep track of each step we take towards growth and success!
Thanks you!
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Hi Patricia,
I usually do this each month. But when it comes to the yearly measure, our mindset of the new year magnifies things a bit.
I wanted people to realize that they are doing so much and learning so much in their business. When we tend to forget that and keep on looking forward, we forget how grateful those accomplishments are.
Thank you
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: Barbara Charles
November 28, 2012 at 7:09 pm #
Hi Donna. Love this. Makes you definitely think of what we’ve accomplished this year. What a great motivator. And I’m definitely going to write them down if for nothing else so I can see it for myself and give myself that mental boost! I love the ‘learning without application.’ So true – if you didn’t do it, then it’s not an accomplishment. Sounds so simple but many people are in denial! Love it! Thanks for reminding me of what I need to do. I need that constant reminder as it becomes necessary for me to stay positive. Thanks so much.
Take care,
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..Entrepreneurs and On Being Superman
Thanks Barbara,
Your words flatter me lol! It is important to look back for that mental boost. We tend to think forward all the time and that can leave us with frustration or anxiety sometimes.
But If we do make that list, it is a great boost to our self esteem. I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t do it myself!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: MayuraDeSilva
November 28, 2012 at 4:42 pm #
Hi Donna,
Oh no dear… For me December seems never ending as my schedule keeping me busy as never before with new projects 😀 lol… But you know what, I love it 😉
I must be overjoyed I guess 🙂 I met new and wonderful friends who always inspiring me and thriving to success, including you my friend. Gratitude on your way too 😉 Lot of blogging achievements, stepping into working online and meeting new clients and so much more to talk about my personal life too. I feel it now Donna 🙂 I always wanted to do my own thing.
I still remember your procrastination post which you advice me to finish up unfinished work. I did ’em all and now I can say I have no leftovers. Thanks for that advice again, I still remember reading your reply. Gratitude to Adrienne for meeting us 🙂
Hope with all ups and downs, David and you gonna have a awesome holiday time in December 🙂
Keep us rocking and rolling while being the rock star Donna 😉 You Rocks…
Cheers…
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Hi Donna
Thanks for helping us in placing the things in perspective. Though the year is almost on verge of vanishing, the important lessons I have learnt are as follow:
1. Expect less and Do more
2. Be consistent in whatever you are doing.
I have been really uplifted by these two. There has been a paradigm shift after applying these two.
Now I am planning what to do next in order to improve.
Thanks for making me stop and think.
Thanks
Sapna
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Sana,
You are not alone. I’m sure you know the ration of online business whereby 97% will vanish and 3% will carry on. Good for you for sticking to it.
Expectations can lead to disappointment sometimes. Nothing wrong with high expectations as long as we go with the flow. If we don’t reach our goal, so what, we try things a little different and keep on learning as we go.
I am happy for you that you learned how to improve your business. That is the core of everything we do in life.
Thank you for coming by,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
This is such a great question to ask, especially every year so you can start to appreciate what you’ve done and maybe do more if you aren’t too happy with the list! Most of the time I look back and wonder holy cow, how did a whole year go by? What the heck did I do?? I have no idea! I better sit down with your suggestions and come up with a list because the days blend together and I’m not sure. It’s like that moment when you’re at a family event or a dinner with people you haven’t seen in a while and they ask you that question: “So what have you been doing?” And I always sort of shrug… I don’t know… the same thing I always do! Sounds pretty lame. Sounds like I need to think about it and start to reflect on what I’ve done or maybe get up and try something new. Thanks for the kick in the rear!
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he he Carol,
Yes this is a kick in the rear isn’t it? But from reading your blogs, I can tell you will have a long list of what you have done and what you have learned this year.
I know how days blend together, that’s why I created this post now, instead of later. Just to remind people that the year is coming to an end before you know it!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Wow Donna, This is a great post, infact I think Im going to email it out to my subscribers. I like all the good questions, sure makes a person think.I saw great value with the post and do appreciate it. Thanks.
THANK YOU CAROL!!!!
It is my goal to make people think! Glad you liked it.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: Lisapatb
November 27, 2012 at 8:21 pm #
I feel I never make the goal I set out for the year but if I look back month by month I can see progress. I sure did learn a lot. This is a great reminder to start working on next year’s list – it’s coming so quick. I need to fill up my learning bucket list too for 2013. Things change so fast we really have to keep up with so many things related to our blogs and online businesses.
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Oh yea, things certainly do change fast Lisa.
The thing is we have to set aside time for our learning curves. so put that on your list. Unfortunately I didn’t put that on mine which caused back up. The main thing is don’t beat ourselves up if we didn’t meet our expectations.
Right now I’m going through everything and deleting things I don’t use and those Facebook Groups I’ve been added to that I don’t know what the heck they are lol.
I’m also unsubscribing so many things on my email lists. I want to make a fresh start for 2013!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: marquitaherald
November 27, 2012 at 3:58 pm #
Oh, you know this is one of my favorite topics Donna! I’m a huge believer in reviewing before we get to the task of resolving for the New Year. The challenge for most people is that most of our accomplishments are relatively small and spread out over time – so it’s very easy to overlook. We get to December and look back and can only see our most recent or BIGGEST accomplishments for the year. Here’s a tip that works well for me on so many levels – an “Accomplishment” journal. I know a lot of people avoid journaling because of the time commitment,but it doesn’t have to be that way. My accomplishment journal is on my laptop and it’s a simple word document that I update the last thing I do each day. And each entry starts with “Today I …” and then I make a quick note of even the smallest accomplishment – like when I learn a new skill. Over time you look back and there’s a quick reference guide to your growth over the year. By day it might not look like much – but when you look at the big picture it can really provide a significant bump to the old confidence level 🙂
marquita herald recently posted..Cultivating Greater Patience Means a Happier, Healthier You
What an awesome Idea! An accomplishment journal! Woo Hoo I’m starting one on my computer of course.
I am always mindful of what I learned in one single day. Sometimes it is visiting other bloggers, sometimes it is putting something into action.
I do believe in rewards, and oh boy do I reward myself! If I have a really great day in terms of money, I’ll purchase something for myself. It can be a really big purchase or a tiny one. The fact is it is a reward and encourages me to achieve more.
Thanks for your awesome input.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: AdrienneSmith40
November 27, 2012 at 2:25 pm #
It seems like every year I’m asking myself where did the time go. My goodness, this year is almost over again. Ouch!
So let’s see, what have I learned. Oh but actually the question is did I apply what I learned. I would have to say plenty and yes, I’ve been consistent with those actions too and isn’t that the only way to move forward!
Now am I where I thought I’d be? Not exactly but the year isn’t over yet! 😉 Oh yeah, I still have a few things up my sleeve so we shall see and let’s just say I have a very good feeling about this.
Great way to reevaluate our year Donna and something we should stay on top of throughout the year as well. Great points my friend, thank you for sharing.
~Adrienne
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I wish I had your energy and discipline Adrienne.
I know you well and you rock not only on your blog, but most importantly with all the people you engage with.
You do have a natural knack of communication. That and your knowledge of marketing is a great mix for success.
See you tonight,
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: sylvianenuccio
November 27, 2012 at 9:12 am #
Hi Donna,
Well, it’s good to have high expectations of yourself because it pushes you. As they say if you reach for the stars you might at least be able to land on the moon. That’s how I see high expectations. Nothing to be disappointed about if you haven’t reached as far as you expected, as long as you’ve tried and while trying accomplished a lot.
Myself, I’ve accomplished a lot this year as far as my online business goes, but I’m still not where I want to be, but that’s OK. Paris wasn’t built in one day. Things take time and what I’ve accomplish so far is GOOD and led me to my new goals for next year.
Thank you for having us reflect on our goals and achievements with this post 🙂
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Sylviane,
You are looking at this with a wise mind my friend. You have the ability to let things go. Be thankful for that. So many don’t have it. Lots of people get stuck or feel badly.
If I was next to you, I would give you a gold star!
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
Twitter: suejprice
November 27, 2012 at 1:48 am #
Hi Donna
I love how you have asked these questions and broken it down. Right now I have a feeling of “where did this year go?”. I know it has not gone yet but it is almost done.
I have a ascendancy to expect a lot of myself and then when I do not achieve everything belt myself up.
I know I have learned a lot and I have taken action on many things but not all that I have learned. I also have hopped around too much from various things and that never gives me a sense of achievement.
I will follow your questions here and get specific with what I have achieved.
Thanks Donna
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Habits to Support Your Ideal Life
Aha Sue!
You have learned a very important lesson this year haven’t you? Get more focused and not jump hop around too much. It happens to all of us. I got caught up in that until I started to do self-hypnosis.
When you find yourself feeling like beating yourself up, it is time to take an extra step and try a different method to your DMO.
I’m sure that if you wrote down all you have learned this year you will get a sense of achievement. I did!
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past
I never thought about doing an exercise like this until last year. It really made me realize how fast time goes by and how reflecting on the past can be helpful for taking future actions.
I’ll be doing this again this year.
Thanks for sharing this Donna
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Hey Ashley,
It really does work doesn’t it? It makes us realize our reflection of he past will help us take future actions.
Donna
Donna.Merrill recently posted..Assessing The Past