Partnering with the Energy Project in past years has created transformational impact for senior leaders across the financial and energy industries. Let's all start off 2017 with inspiration, hope, reinvention, and a new year challenge to do things differently and reinvent ourselves. We won’t achieve that by adding more tasks to an already demanding schedule. Instead of forging ahead full-speed with a handful of resolutions, slow down at the start of the year and make space for reflection.
The Energy Project goes on to remind us that we too often view the opposite of “doing” as “not doing.” The reality is that taking time to reflect allows us to develop good judgement and gives us the space to prioritize what we need to do and what we don’t. It also improves our connection with ourselves, others, and our greater purpose. You might use this time to check in on how you’re really feeling, name your emotions, reflect on how you’re affecting others and your relationships, and make sure your energy is spent on what has long-term value to you, rather than primarily reacting to demands.
Discover a new ritual of reflection and reconnection this year. Strive for more insights with enduring value—these will be the catalyst for changes that go well beyond the first few weeks of January.
Top New Year Tips from the Energy Project:
Come up with one word or mantra for the new year. Complicated resolutions and goals often fail, but a simple word to come back to that represents the direction you want to go in this year is less daunting. When everyday demands are pressing in on you, it can help you reconnect to your long-term goals and priorities.
Schedule white space in your calendar. Just like anything else, it won’t happen if you don’t schedule it. Make an appointment with yourself and protect it.
Disconnect. You won’t get very far with the constant interruptions of email alerts and phone calls. Think about disconnecting from technology for certain time periods so you can connect with yourself and have time to reflect on what’s working and what’s not. Be sure to communicate your plan and have an agreed upon mode of contact should a real emergency arise.