Reflection on the Past Year test

It’s the time of year when we start to think about what we accomplished (at least we should!) and start thinking about what the new year holds. I have been thinking lately about putting on paper the process that I have used as a Christian for the past couple of years to measure my success, and I came up with three different things I consistently do before preparing my goals for the next year.

Reflect

Revisiting last year’s goals is essential to know whether you succeeded in meeting them or not. I know you likely had New Year’s Resolutions. Think back to this time last year, and write down (or revisit) your resolutions. Reflect on what goals changed with life's surprises, what victories you can celebrate, and what goals need revisiting or revising.

After completing your reflection and determining the hits and misses, let’s dig a little deeper into the causes of success or failure.

Learn

We possess the uniquely human power of learning. Our brain allows us to interpret circumstances and create new pathways based on our experiences. Animals do not have that ability since they primarily act on instinct. Let’s harness this power to understand why we were successful (or not).

As a Christian financial planner, when working with my clients, I typically see the following attributes (or lack thereof) as being vital in succeeding (or failing) in meeting goals:

• Focus on the outcome - Successful people tend to focus on the result rather than how to get there. That’s because you learn after chasing something that your original plan may not be the best, so you have to change gears. If your primary focus is the tactics, you may get stuck when the tactics don’t work out and consider the goal unachievable.
• Welcome accountability - Having the right accountability system allows you to get back on track when you are veering off and keeps you excited when making progress. Today, many people use apps to get kudos and a built-in accountability system through social media. Others prefer to keep accountability personal by tapping into their spouse or a close friend to help them stay on track.
• Dream big, plan for reality - When we set a goal around a topic, we tend to be passionate and set unrealistic expectations. Every future goal needs a dream scenario and a realistic scenario. Then chase that dream scenario as much as you can. The realistic scenario will keep you aware of whether failure to reach your dream goal is a factor of reality. It will also help you set a floor for when you run out of gas.

After reflecting and learning, it’s time to start thinking about next year.

Look forward

We will take a deeper dive into goal setting the week of New Year’s. In the meantime, start thinking about which goals you would like to continue pursuing next year or new ones you may already have in mind. Here are some examples of the kinds of plans you can consider:

• Physical: Eat healthier, improve a health indicator, increase physical activity
• Intellectual: Read more nonfiction books, learn a new skill
• Professional: Go for a promotion, change employers, start a business or side-gig
• Family: Spend more time with your spouse, do something special with the kids
• Financial: Save more, retire, eliminate debt, give more to charity
• Spiritual: Join a small group at church, read the Bible in a year, spend time 1/1 mentoring or find a way to serve

Don’t worry yet about being too precise or detailed. Here is a handy tool to print and fill out to get your thoughts on paper. Between Christmas and New Year's Eve, we will revisit your list and help you create clear goals based on your aspirations. If you are ready to take charge of your finances, our Master Class How to Build a Christian Financial Plan can equip you to make great financial decisions.

Leo Marte is a Christian financial advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Abundant Advisors provides financial advice for Christians with convenient virtual meetings. Let’s talk if you are ready to make the next move.