"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
A few years ago, one of my friends asked me to complete an exercise, which I've found so invaluable that I've used it every year since. For a few days leading up to my birthday, I was slightly depressed because I felt like I hadn't accomplished everything I set out to do this year. My friend's exercise helped me to realize that I'd had a pretty good year. Even though I hadn't accomplished everything I wanted, there was so much I had done.
The Idea: Take 30 minutes to think about all the things that have happened in your life this year. Of all your experiences, select your best and worst moments. If you have more best moments than worst moments, consider yourself fortunate and blessed. If you have more worst moments than best, consider yourself fortunate anyway. At least you made it through those worst moments, and you're a stronger person for it.
The Cost: Just your time.
The Benefit: By tracking your progress (even your failures) you will have a clearer understanding of what you need to do to move forward and accomplish your goals for 2008.
Testimonial: After evaluating my year, I realized that I had numerous best moments, including:
I had impacted the lives of many people through my weekly Good Friday emails.
I had done all except about 5 of the Good Friday ideas myself.
I'd gotten a new job, doing what I liked to do.
I'd conquered my fear of long flights, which enabled me to have a wonderful once-in-a-lifetime experience in Egypt.
And I'd met new people who have impacted my life in a positive way.
So I didn't buy the house, or read 52 books, and I probably won't be making Brazil carnival in January, but when I put it in perspective, I'm still happy which was the biggest goal I had for myself in 2007.
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