This is the season of fresh starts. We're excited and alive with the possibilities of new goals, new projects, new jobs, and new relationships. Contrast that with the language we often use as the calendar turns to a new year or a relationship comes to an end. We say we've crossed the finish line, often exhausted and feeling drained. Many times we are disappointed that things didn't turn out the way we had envisioned. We say we have run out of runway. Then, as we try to move forward, we spend precious time looking in the rearview mirror. We dwell on the negatives and relive our history.  We know we have seen this movie before. The past gets in the way of the present and keeps us from being present as we move forward.

Intentionally marking things complete provides a powerful, even essential way to start new. Completion is not about forgetting the past, but affirming and accepting that things in our past are complete, are done and are finished. We need to draw the accountants double line under past jobs, old relationships and last year's performance review period in order to fully engage in the new challenges and new opportunities in our lives.

As you leave a job or finish a project or end a relationship, consider taking the time to review and write down your answers to these questions:

*  What were the good things about this job, project or relationship?

*  What were the not so good things about this job, project or relationship?

*  What did you learn? What new people did you meet? What new skills did you develop? What new experiences did you have? What got in the way? What would you do differently?

*  What was left incomplete or unsaid?

*  Are you ready to accept that the job, project or relationship is finished?

Declare it complete. Write it down. Tell people.

Now, move on.

Please join us Wednesday for our leadership call.

Wednesday, January 13, 9:00 a.m. EST
Call in number: (712) 775-7031
Enter ID #: 251-410-597