One year ago, I wrote about the concept of a New Year’s resolution and shared a few of my goals for 2014. As 2014 comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the goals you set and recognize other noteworthy events of the year.
Check off the goals you attained.
If you set goals and stuck to them, you will be able to check items off your list. Smile. You set out to do something and you did it! Soak up the moment and celebrate.
Here are a few accomplishments I am celebrating:
- Completed curriculum for a Master Degree in Public Relations from Iona College;
- Improved my time management skills. I am better with creating and following a realistic, written plan for projects and events;
- Increased my proficiency in Microsoft Excel: specifically, using pivot tables and VLOOKUP;
- Wrote more engaging content for my blog (a special thank you to my readers who have shared positive feedback – keep it coming!), and;
- Saved the amount of money I wanted to save for my savings account.
Evaluate the goals you didn’t attain.
There will be a chance you didn’t reach each goal. Maybe you made it halfway, but then had other priorities to address. Don’t fret. Remember, you are more than capable. Reevaluate those goals to see if they were realistic; modify them and/or work toward attaining them again next year.
Here are two goals I started, but never finished:
- Read 12 non-academic books. I read four books, two of which I selected for my thesis research.
- Watch 12 classic movies and more movies in general. I watched a handful; however, finishing my degree became a priority.
Recognize other noteworthy moments.
The mystery of life is we never know what will happen on any given day. Some surprises will make you feel like you’re at the top of the world. Others are not as merry. Although, it’s important to embrace new challenges and handle them to the best of your abilities. Every moment shapes who you are and who you are meant to be.
Here are other exciting events that happened to me:
- Got engaged to an incredible man with whom I am lucky to spend the rest of my life.
- Ran my first half marathon. Read my recap: Running Philly.
- Elected to the board of Rockland Road Runners.
Set new goals for next year.
Either set new goals or work toward the ones you didn’t accomplish this past year. Make it an annual routine to keep you on track to achieve personal and professional happiness.
Here are some of my goals for 2015:
- Get married. September can’t come soon enough!
- Raise $1,000 for the American Cancer Society by running the 2015 New York City Half Marathon.
- Read 12 books. Since I completed my degree, it is more realistic that I will read more non-academic books in 2015. Recommendations are welcome!
- Watch more movies in general. Again, since I am done with school, I should have more time to revisit one of my favorite pastimes.
What were your biggest accomplishments of 2014? What goals are you setting for 2015? Share your thoughts in the comments section.