by: Stephanie Gonzalez photo by: Jillian Lenser 2022 is starting its sunset. 2023 is on the horizon. This time of year – holidays and our pending new year – can come with a bevy of emotions. These emotions can make us feel a bit schizophrenic. One minute, we are shedding tears of joy in gratitude for our family, friends, health, and/or our freedom-filled life. Another minute, our eyes well up with tears from perceived missteps, regrets, or unfulfilled promises. It’s easy to fall into a toxic pattern of self-talk where we speak in “should have” language. Stop shoulding on yourself! We are human beings living a human experience. What exactly does that statement mean? As human beings, we are part of the animal kingdom. Although, there is a lot that differentiates homo sapiens from other animals. At the root, as humans, it is our mental ability and agility that separates us from other species. For centuries, our cognitive capabilities have enabled us to evolve; different than other animals. We’ve generated countless innovations toward society, culture, arts, entertainment, science, and technology. Our brains have turned into a weapon to assist our growth and development for us as individuals and for all of us as a civilization. Weapons have dual purposes. As with most weapons, we must exercise caution and care. Our mental dexterity is a tool for us to use to our benefit. As you reflect on your 2022 year, have a critical eye on what happened (and didn’t happen). When you dissect your 2022 year, be clear-minded, factual, and objective. Be critical of the activities, actions and results. Be critical, don’t criticize. AND, remember to inventory and carry anything you still want to achieve into your 2023 game-plan. Here are a few suggestions for you to execute a simple game-plan: 1. Project Your Outcomes for 2023 Carve out a couple of hours in a day for dedicated quiet time. In this time, gain clarity around what you want to achieve by the end of 2023 for your life, health, family, business, and finances. Get a journal out and start free-form writing: By December 2023 “I will…” statements. 2. Schedule Your 2023 Year Stephen Covey (check him out if you do not know who I am referring to) suggests that life is made up of big rocks, small pebbles, and grains of sand. The big rocks represent the big things we actually really want to achieve in our life. When laying out your year ahead, get out your physical or digital calendar and put the big rocks in the jar first. As an example, plug in your two big vacations, your annual family reunion, or your standing kids seasonal breaks. 3. Plan Your Month Take a look at the month calendar and from this birdseye view, determine the “outline” for the month. What is the strategy you will use to approach this 30-day window, and at the end of this stretch of time, what do you want to have accomplished? What are the big rocks you can check off this month that will result in your annual goals being met? 4. Organize Your Week Fill in the holes with the activities you need to accomplish this week to meet your monthly/annual goals. What are the one or two big objectives (either personal or professional) you need to move the needle on for this week to be successful? 5. Prioritize Your Day Pick out the top 3-5 tasks (calls, notes, appointments, or projects) that have your attention for that day. What tasks are time-sensitive and need your immediate attention? How can you organize your time in a way that doesn’t elicit an “I should have…” reflection at the end of the day? These suggestions are meant to help you front-load your day, week, month, or year. Accomplishing a few of these will help you feel prepared and less frantic. If you dedicate a few hours in December to accomplish one of two of the above you will feel more clarity and energy as the new year approaches!