The end of the year isn’t just a time for holiday parties; it’s an excellent moment for a crucial audit: determining what you want to keep in the new year and what you need to let go of.
As leaders, we often find ourselves doing things simply because “it is how we have always done things.” This autopilot approach means we risk missing opportunities that could truly make or break the next 12 months.
Taking the time to review your current state of affairs and truly ask what you want to be focusing on is an act of powerful self-discovery.
The Start, Stop, Continue Exercise:
I encourage you to set aside 30 minutes and apply this simple, profound exercise to both your professional and personal lives. Ask yourself these three questions:
🛑 What do you want to STOP doing?
This is often the most critical question. What task, habit, or commitment is draining your energy but delivering minimal value? What is causing unnecessary stress or occupying time that could be spent elsewhere?
🟢 What do you want to START doing?
What new activity, system, or commitment will help you achieve your most important goals? What have you been putting off that you know would be a game-changer?
▶️ What do you want to CONTINUE doing?
What habits, relationships, or activities are currently producing excellent results and fueling your energy? These are the things you must intentionally protect and prioritize.
By answering these questions honestly, you empower yourself to clear the clutter of the old year and intentionally design a more focused, effective new year.
