As 2023 turns into 2024, I invite you to pause and conduct a personal growth check.

Why?

Growth checks offer you the opportunity to celebrate and learn. A growth check recognizes incremental changes and provides insight. It gives you the chance to look at how you spent your time, energy and attention and evaluate the impact those resources had.

Keep It Simple

What were my highlights?

Identifying your highlights helps you own your accomplishments. Celebrating success not only boosts your confidence but also reinforces a positive mindset. When you reflect on your successes, you build your self-efficacy –your confidence in your skills and ability to handle future obstacles and issues.

• Identify and write down 5-10 specific successes or events you'd like to celebrate. These can be achievements, milestones or moments related to any area of your life: personal growth, health & wellbeing, purpose, career, learning, relationships, joy...
• Tip: Review your calendar or photos to spark your memory

Ask:

• What strengths did I use and develop?
• How did my highlights contribute to my growth?

What did I learn?

Learning leads to growth. If we don't take the time to reflect, we're less able to apply what we've learned going forward.

• Take equal (but not more) time to reflect on the challenges you faced this year. They may be mistakes, missed expectations, failures, growing pains or even just trade-offs.

• Tip: To counteract our natural negativity bias and tendency to dwell:

Ask:

• What did I or can I learn from these?
• How much impact did it have?
• What strengths did I gain or grow?

Who did I help?

Recognizing who we've helped is an affirmation to our own humanity and a reminder that our actions have impact.

• Create a list of those you've helped and how

Who do I appreciate?

Expressing gratitude is a powerful aspect of a growth check. Gratitude not only fosters a positive outlook but also helps in recognizing the support systems and positive influences that contribute to your well-being. Like plants who need sun, water & soil, we do not grow alone.

• Take time to acknowledge the people, opportunities, and experiences you are grateful for.

A Simple Plan For Moving Forward

Choose an umbrella word

An umbrella word or theme gives meaning and weaves through all your endeavors creating connections. It also acts as a quick check-in when you're making decisions, prioritizing and evaluating.

Stop, Start, Continue.

This process keeps you focused and future oriented.

• What will I stop doing?
• What will I start doing?
• What will I continue doing?
• Include the Why, When and How

By taking the time to conduct a thoughtful growth check, we celebrate, learn and appreciate. I hope this practice will help you to approach the upcoming year with renewed clarity, purpose, and a commitment to your personal well-being and success!

Welcome 2024 and all the new experiences it will bring!