Time to Reflect on 2015

As 2015 begins to wind down, this is a great time to pause and reflect on your life, personally and professionally. You might consider these questions. Writing out your responses enables you to focus more deeply on these areas. The next issue of Rising Stars Leadership News You Can Use will provide ideas on how to take these reflections and use them to set goals for 2016.

• What was more challenging than you anticipated? Why?
• What was easier than you anticipated? Why?
• What have you read that had an impact?
• What conferences, webinars or events have you attended that expanded your thinking?
• What did you commit to implement that hasn’t happened yet?
• What would you like to do about that?
• What have you implemented that has made a difference for you?
• Does that need any adjustment to be more impactful?
• How have you grown personally and/or professionally?
• What disappointed you this year?
• What was your biggest surprise?
• What are you most proud of this year?
• What contributed to your happiness and well-being?

As I reflect on the above questions, here are a few of thoughts. It has been an excellent year. Weeks were spent studying for the challenging ACHE Board of Governors exam. (Proud that I will become a Fellow in Jan.) Simultaneously, Rising Stars business accelerated significantly and work-life balance disappeared for several months. The tough decision to take a leave of absence from teaching the LFGSM MBA Executive Success Skills course provided more time for clients and relaxation.Travel and family played a key role contributing to my happiness and well-being. As the year ends, I realize part of the hectic schedule was due to getting ready for or coming back from eight weeks of vacation, scattered throughout the year. We enjoyed great trips to Hawaii, Massachusetts, Florida, California, Panama and visits from family. Worked hard, played hard, and encouraged others to meet their goals. These past few months, I’ve become better at having a consistent morning yoga and meditation practice. This is a calming, peaceful, energizing way to start the day. My coach shared a wonderful centering activity before coaching sessions to increase my presence with clients. Truly a fabulous year of learning, growth, and rewarding opportunities to be of service. Thank you to everyone we worked with this year.Now, time to capture your own reflections.Words of Wisdom“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Peter F. DruckerJoanne’s Speaking, Events and TravelDec. 14 & 17- Leading Change Webinars for Healthcare LeadersDec. 15 - PATH Post-Acute Transitional Healthcare Advisory Board Meeting, Phoenix, AZDec. 17 - Kickoff call for 2016 Arizona Institute for Healthcare Leadership cohort, Phoenix, AZJan. 8 - Leveraging Your Strengths to Improve Your Communication, Phoenix, AZ