I think we all need to celebrate that we made it through a crazy year, learn from any mistakes, and appreciate how we have grown and will never be the same. For me, as I look forward to this new year, I am focusing on making improvements one step at a time.
Reflecting back, I started 2023 by setting goals, like many of you. I was inspired by reading several motivational books about setting goals for the next chapter of my life, my second mountain. Most of the goals I set were more personal than professional. I made progress on many of them, like slowing down, appreciating what I am blessed to have in my life, and spending more time with my family. I’m still off track on some of the inner-focused goals, such as taking better care of myself.
I’m getting back on track one small step at a time. My friend has already inspired me by posting her two words for 2023. I have come to really like this simple approach, which is a natural complement to the traditional process of goal setting (both professional and personal) and has helped me to reflect on where I am today and where I want to go in the future.
As I pondered the one or two words I wanted to focus on, I returned to Joy and Health. For me, pursuing joy means continuing to spend time truly being present with people who bring me joy (not on my phone!), while also focusing on activities that bring joy and good health to my mind, body, and spirit. I feel my best when I'm in my zone of eating healthy, exercising regularly, and sleeping well. This last year created more personal stress, which led me to comfort foods and distracted me from my normal self-care routines, so I'm seizing the moment to recommit.
I will continue to use the words Joy and Health as screens when I plan my days and make decisions. My wish and challenge to all of you is to come up with a word or two that can serve as your intention for 2023. Let your word(s) guide your actions and energies to bring you greater happiness and success this year.
May health, joy, and abundance bless you and your loved ones! Remember to be kind to yourself and celebrate your small successes!
If you want some additional guidance in setting personal and professional goals, here are a few questions to prompt your thinking:
What do you want more of in your life?
What challenges are you trying to overcome?
What virtues or traits do you want to strengthen?
If you want free resources to help, you build your brand or leadership, connect with me on LinkedIn, and listen to my free podcast. We have episodes to support nearly every area you are looking to improve.
Podcast Episodes to Support Your Goals
We've covered many topics on the Talent Champions podcast related to goal setting, leadership skills, and personal improvement.
A long-term view of career mobility with Bev Kaye
Managing your own career is a framework that Bev likens to a backpack you take from role to role and place to place. The framework includes five Ps:
1. Who am I as a Person?
2. What is the Perspective others have of me?
3. How is my Place of work changing?
4. What are the Possibilities for me in the future?
5. What’s my action Plan?
Leveraging LinkedIn with Bianca Jackson
The beginning of the year is always a great time to revisit and clean up your LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has gone from being a job-hunting platform to a multi-faceted social network for professionals, but many people still struggle with how to use it to their advantage. In this episode, LinkedIn expert and career coach Bianca Jackson talks with Diana about the many ways LinkedIn can support your goals. Regardless of where you are in your career, if you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to jump into LinkedIn, this is the episode for you.
Pursuing big career goals with Martha Soehren
Martha offers great career advice. As the Former Chief Talent Development Officer at Comcast, Martha Soehren’s career story is filled with fascinating decisions, risks, and not taking no for an answer. In this episode, she shares career advice and inspiration to help you establish and pursue your career dreams.
Be More Productive with Kory Kogon
To help find more space in your day, check out this timeless episode full of tips to help you manage priorities and use technology to your advantage.
Everyday Approaches to Reducing Stress and Anxiety with Peggy Sealfon
This continues to be one of our most listened-to and liked episodes. Peggy has a lot of helpful information that doesn't require you to add yet another task to your to-do list.
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