jody fransch

One of the best things that happened to me last year was discovering Michael Hyatt’s blog.

As a result of reading it frequently I have gained valuable insights and learned some priceless stuff. His main focus is on leadership, productivity, and social media. Being the CEO of the largest Christian book publisher in the world he shares his thoughts freely and I’m truly blessed by his writing. It’s like having my own personal leadership coach. In one of his last posts of last year he challenged his readers to ask seven questions about 2009 for personal reflection and closure. I did the exercise and it was highly beneficial to me as I answered the questions and reflected on the year as a whole. I will answer these questions and challenge you to engage in the same exercise.

1. If last year were a movie of your life, what genre would it be?

Drama, Action, Tragedy, Romance, Adventure, or a combination?

• Mine was definitely an adventure as I engaged in a lot of things for the first time last year. Blogging, cycling (including a race), moving back home to Zimbabwe, working in the media industry.

2. What were the two or three major themes that kept recurring?

These can be single words or phrases. For me, they were:

• learning and doing new things like, writing (my blog), cycling, running, learning video editing, and speaking in public as well as many more.
• learning to cope with less financially.
• great times with friends.

3. What did you accomplish this past year that you are the most proud of?

These can be in any area of your life—spiritual, relational, vocational physical, etc. Be as specific as possible. Here’s some of mine:

• starting to cycle and competing in the Argus (the biggest timed race in the world).
• becoming more spiritual by praying and reading my Bible more.
• paying more attention to my health and wellness by engaging in exercise and eating more healthy.
• moving back home to Zimbabwe.

4. What do you feel you should have been acknowledged for but weren’t?

This may be a little to personal for some of you to share publicly but for me some things were:

• being the mediator between two friends who were having a conflict.
• starting an exercise program and sticking to it.
• managing to keep my head above the water in the face of adversity. Not giving up!

5. What disappointments or regrets did you experience this past year?

Where did you let yourself down? Where did you let others down? Here are some of mine:

• not losing my belly fat as I intended to do at the beginning of last year
• not taking enough time out for myself for renewal
• not being able to run my first half marathon due to injury
• not being able to attain work permit for South Africa

6. What was missing from last year as you look back?

Look at each major area of your life. Don’t focus now on having to do anything about it. For now, just list each item. Here’s my  list:

• lack of focus on my goals
• lack of discipline
• not enough time spent with my family

7. What were the major life-lessons you learned this past year?

Boil this down to a few short, pithy statements. Mine for example:

• don’t trust people easily, you will be disappointed
• cherish the important relationships in your life
• plan your work, then work your plan

Now that you have your list, it is time to acknowledge the past give closure to it. It’s over. There’s nothing you can do to change it. This is hugely important. What was done was done. It’s time to close that chapter and turn to the next one.

Scridb filter

Related posts:

1. The Law of Priorities – Put First Things First