As we come to the close of this year, take a moment to reflect on what went well and what you would like to change.   It will give you clues and insights for your direction for next year.  One of my colleagues, Connie Green, believes that the last seven days of the year are the most important ones when it comes to planning for the next year.  Consider what you accomplished, what was the most gratifying, and where you want to grow and change.  Then write it down and develop a written plan on what you would like to accomplish next year.  Writing it down is critical for firming it up in your mind.

By far the greatest discovery I have had this year was with the work I did with my family of origin in clarifying our common values, and developing our own personal honor code in how we would maintain our values when time was tough. We had a lot of change.  My mother, at age 91 could no longer live by herself, and we decided to make arrangements for her care within the family.  Two other family members retired, and made plans to move.  We decided to support each other and work together as a family to create solutions that would work for all. At first, for all of us, this kind of thinking was a little different.  The tendency was to do things was the old way, with one person in charge.  Other times, when we tried new ideas, they were met with resistence.  When we looked for solutions that benefited all, and stayed positive with each other, it helped us to think differently and overall the results were quite successful.  We worked together with greater harmony and found ways to meet our needs with less stress.  We definitely will maintain the same track next year.   

Personally, let your feelings be a guide.  Condsider what was most gratifying and what made you the most happy.  This will give you clues for positive goals for next year.  Then look at the aspects you want to change.  One big secret of creating a happy ending, is to reflect on what you might have done to create the circumstances that you would like to change.  Facing our challenges, and finding new positive ways to change, empowers us.  It helps us to create a new positive direction for ourselves.  It is far more productive than focusing on blaming the situation or another.  It helps to create a happy ending and a healthy new beginning for your development and growth. 

In these last few days of 2010, be sure to take time to reflect on your successes, your positive intentions, and empower yourself by facing the challenges where you want to change.  Develop a written statement of your intentions and plan.  It will help you make 2011 a very fulfilling year.