Yep! You read that correctly, “Happy New Year”! I don’t know about you, but for me, September always brings a sense of renewal and fresh energy. This probably stems from when it was back to school time and as summer was drawing to a close, a new chapter was beginning. Although I haven’t been “back to school” in quite some time, I still look at September as a time to reflect on what has happened so far in the year and a chance to course correct if that is what needs to occur.
This has special meaning for me this year as September 1st marked one year in my own business and reflecting back on the year that has passed was very useful in deciding how I want to spend my energy for the next four months. It also helped me account for and realize just how much I have accomplished since January of this year. Taking a conscious pause to check in with yourself is something most of us do not routinely do however, it can be really useful. I realized that I have been doing a lot!! September for me this year actually means renewing by slowing down and pausing to reflect and let some of the work I have been doing get integrated. This can’t happen while chasing what’s next all the time. So for September 2016 I will be putting things in “slow motion”, savouring the last few weeks of summer and truly taking time to decide how I want my last few months of 2016 to be.
So what about you? If slowing down isn’t in your plans, just get curious about what is in your plans. Are you satisfied with how things are shaping up or are you ready to shift gears? If a “course correction” is required, what action are you going to take? You still have plenty of time to finish 2016 in a way that is meaningful for you.
So here is my challenge for you, will you take 15 minutes to reflect on how far you have come this year? No kidding, will you? Once you have done that, continue to write the ending that you want to have for 2016. If you keep doing what you’re doing, is the ending likely to happen? If not, take some time to think about what you need to do to finish up how you’d like. You may need to alter your plans to get there but know that you have a choice. Take things off autopilot and step into the driver’s seat – it’s your life!