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Before you plan for next year, think about where you are today
By Annette Richmond
 Well, we've eaten our way through Thanksgiving which means that the holiday season officially has begun. Unless you're in retail, business has slowed down a bit. This means you have an opportunity to enjoy the festivities before the start of the New Year.
Traditionally, New Year's has been a symbol of rebirth, making year's end a time for reflection. It's a time to congratulate yourself on your accomplishments. And think about your learning experiences. You know those occasions when things didn't turn out exactly the way you had planned.
Between going to parties and shopping at the mall, you need to make some time to think about where you are today and where you'd like your personal and professional lives to be by the end of next year.
What do you need to feel successful? Is it the corner office? Owning your own business? Or having more time to spend with your family? While each of us has a different definition of success, we share the desire to make our dreams reality.
One of the keys to getting what you want is having a plan. But, before you develop your plans for the New Year, make sure to reflect on where you are today. Think about what's been working. And, maybe more importantly, what has not. Here are four topics to get you started.
Growth - Did you learn anything new this year? Did you step outside your comfort zone at least once? While it's easy to keep doing the things we know we do well, it's risky to try something different. But, taking on new challenges is the only way to grow. And developing new skills is a must if you want to move up the ladder or build your business.
Appearance - Is your appearance helping or hindering you? Does your image represent who you are? And who you want to be? Whatever your profession cultivating the right image is essential. Take a long look in your mirror. Maybe it's time to try a new haircut or buy a new tie.
Direction - Are you doing what you want? Or blindly following the career path you began five or ten years ago? Take some time to evaluate where you are and where you want to go. Are the goals you set last year right for you today? If not, maybe it's time to set some new ones. Be sure that your actions are taking you in the right direction.
Self Promotion - How many times this year have you taken credit for your work? Lots of people, women in particular, tend to downplay their efforts. They think that working hard will get them noticed and that promotions will come to those who wait. The truth is that taking credit for your work will get you noticed. And asking for a raise or promotion is a lot more effective than waiting till it comes your way. Learn to take credit gracefully and ask for what you want.
As you evaluate 2003, be careful that you don't fall into an exercise in self-bashing. Everyone has missteps. The key is to celebrate your triumphs. Learn from your disappointments. And move on.
Don't forget to savor the relationships you've nurtured over the last year. And remember those you let slip away. The holidays are a great time to reach out to people you've lost touch with. Take a minute to wish them well.
If you're honest, evaluating where you are can help you move forward. After all, it's easier to get where you're going when you know where you are. Happy Holidays!
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