Clutter. clutter clutter. Immediately the word conjures mounds of collected, no-longer-useful material goods. Clutter is not always physical. Clutter is a concept that quickly clouds our thinking, too.
At the end of they year, clean out the clutter for new opportunities and new thoughts. This year, don't just roll into the next one. Take stock of 2017 and step with intention into 2018.
You spend most of your time in your career, so enjoy it!
Before entering into the new year, stop and think about how YOU can grow yourself. So much energy is spent dwelling on someone or something else that negatively impacted our own planned steps: "My company didn't do this," or "They decided it wasn't the right time," etc. Know that whatever you are doing, you are learning. Learn to appreciate the unexpected, like this double iris that bloomed in my garden this winter! A bump in the road, does not set you off course.
It is your responsibility to take care of yourself and know your own value. So, this December, build a strategy for the new year. Give yourself an end-of-the-year invitation to grow. Create a checklist that allows you to put away all the mental clutter from the last 12 months. Take time for a little self-examination, then refresh and refill.
I find this daily foundation in my life to be extremely helpful:
1) Listen to new ideas
2) Collaborate with Others
3) Be Healthy
4) Be Helpful
5) Be Grateful
5) Reflect
Staying healthy and engaging with others in meaningful ways outside of work are key elements of your happiness. And that happiness extends into your performance and, ultimately, determines your success at work.
