As this year winds down, most of us are experiencing either a sense of pride at the progress and success achieved or pangs of remorse or frustration for falling short from our set goals. At this point you can decide to write off the year or choose to spend remaining time more productively. I plan on pushing a bit harder each day for a stronger close by making the most of every remain moment, as well as laying the groundwork for 2026.
I like to approach year’s end by taking time to solidifying a better foundation for next year by looking back to review and assess, all the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. Next, focusing on the positives that occurred to replicate the process when applicable. Create & schedule dedicated time to focus on priorities specific to areas for personal, professional growth, as well as community contribution.
The next evaluation point is assessing the ‘bad’ and the ‘ugly’ that unfolding – to pinpoint the particulars that set Murphy’s Law into motion. This places the spotlight on where important components, projects or goals got derailed. To identify these missteps can help in planning future improvements to anticipate ways to better mitigate, as well as avoid repeating ineffective scenarios. Determining cause that sabotages success, typically tend to point to lack of planning, preparation or follow through – or combination factors.
December is a perfect time to reflect on what worked well and what proved to be less than stellar, and to create more effective strategies for implementing future success goals.
This process engages & energizes the mindset for motivation for invest more time to evaluate and apply insights from this year’s achievements as well as missed benchmarks. This involves some key questions to clarify areas for improving success for the upcoming year.
How can you leverage end of year time to position for a stronger finish this year?
What key priorities would be foundational in making a marked difference in next year’s success – personally and professionally?
How do those priorities shape your vision for next year? Get as specific as possible.
How would a successful year support your longer term vision?
What lessons do you need to apply going forward?
What are the consequences if you continue with the status quo approach?
How would using a priority based framework create improvements in the year ahead? What would that look like? Get as specific as possible – again.
The objective is to clarify top priorities to better allocate key resources of time, energy, and focus to support what is most important. To dedicate time now for assessing, planning and preparation that will serve for execution to fulfill your vision in achieving top goals for success.
Now is the perfect time to review this year to better plan, prepare and strategize for the launch of 2026 as the best year yet!
“You can mark time or invest time making it count on what matters, where it counts the most .” dlb
The Dawning Of A New Year
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.” 
“Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.” Johann Goethe
Awesome August to all this 1st Friday of the month! 
Success Calibration System™
No matter the roles you play on the world stage, you need regular connection to an internal sanctuary of well being with touchstones to carry that peace found within throughout the day.
I continue doing research on how we can better focus on what matters most to us in life. What surfaced is a parallel analogy to better aim our attention like the functions of a camera lens zooming in on the specifics we want to capture. Similarly, a priority focused mindset homes in from an angle to more selectively perceive, view & sustain attention on the important & what we really care about while cropping out the superfluous clutter.