The end of 2019 is quickly approaching, and with it comes all the usual nostalgia regarding the year’s ups and downs. Everyone wants to finish the year with a bang. But I had a realization the other day that came as a surprise.
Have you taken a moment to realize that not only is the year ending, but the DECADE is ending as well? That’s right, people! We’re closing the book on the teens and entering the ‘20s. As we approach this monumental moment, how should we reflect, celebrate, and prepare to finish strong this decade?
Now that you’ve recovered from that shocking realization, I want you to think about the last ten years of your life. Consider where you were in 2009. Where was your business? Where were you in your career? What did your personal life look like?
What has changed since then? Are you in a better place than you were on the first day of 2010? If so, how?
What goals have you crushed in this decade? What are some of the most precious memories you have of the last ten years, both personal and professional? How will you remember this season of your life?
The end of any year is a bittersweet reminder of the constant march of time. But the end of a decade can feel even more so. I encourage you not to let this moment slip by without sitting down and really reflecting on what you’ve accomplished (and endured) in the last ten years. These moments of introspection are so important.
Hit The Ground Running
Once you’ve soaked in all the goodness and memories of the 2010s, consider the time you have left in this decade. Each year around this time, we sit down, evaluate our goals for the year, and review what we’ve accomplished. This time, we’re not only looking back at the last 11 months but the previous 10 years as well.
There will inevitably be some things you weren’t able to do this year (or this decade) that you desperately hoped to do. Now is not the time to beat yourself up about it.
As the year (and decade) draws to a close, your focus should be on how you can finish strong. Finish 2019 strong, and finish the 2010s strong. Do what needs to be done so that you can say, “We did our absolute best in this decade.”
It’s up to you how this era ends. Remember that. If you fell short of your goal to hit $1 million in revenue this year, that doesn’t mean you should take your foot off the gas in the last six weeks of the year. You may still be able to hit $950k, which is something to be immensely proud of.
If you set out to lose 25 pounds this year but haven’t lost an ounce, it’s not too late to do something about it. You can still lose five pounds. Then you’ll start off 2020 with a goal of losing 20 pounds rather than 25 pounds. Plus, you’ll gain motivation from seeing even a small result.
If you wanted to pay off a student loan or another line of credit this year, but you weren’t able to, don’t throw in the towel. Crunch numbers and see where you can cut expenses these last few weeks. You may not be able to wipe your debt away completely, but you may be able to reduce it enough that you can pay it off easily in 2020.
If you promised yourself you’d read 12 books this year, but you’ve only read five so far, find ways to shrink that gap. Take your book on the plane with you. Sit in the parking lot and read while you’re waiting for your kid to finish soccer practice. Listen to an audiobook while you work out or on your daily commute.
No matter what your goal was, do what you need to do to finish this year strong. Remind yourself that while goals are flexible, giving up or giving in should never be an option.
And while you’re at it, take a moment to daydream. Think about where you want to be ten years from now, and consider how you can set yourself up for that success.
The next decade is waiting for us, and the possibilities are endless. What version of yourself do you want to be when the clock strikes 12 on December 31, 2029? Now is the time to lay the groundwork for that.
Until next time—go sell some stuff!
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.