The year gone by.......

The time has come to review the year gone by. Look back at the year and reflect how you would describe 2018 in three words. Look back on what you have experienced, achieved and envisioned.  Take time to enjoy all the good things that happened to you. A gratefulness diary, if you had kept one would help you. Reviews can be planned against the four quadrants of your life: personal, family, work and social.

• Personal  
• Family
• Work        
• Social    

Here are a few questions that could help you conduct this review. It could also help you to create the road map for the next year. This should include a plan of actions with clear measures goals. Vague goals like, 'I want to look better' can be replaced by 'I will talk to an image consultant'. Measurable goals are the best.

The two main questions to ask about 2018:

• What went well?
• What did not go well?
• Now let us look at possible goals:

Personal
Personal goals could encompass health, wellbeing, a fashion make over or joining a fitness group

Plan to improve finances; earning and investment

Books to be read

Cultural events to attend

Each of these should be followed by goals and required action plans. It is a good idea to have a theme for the year. How can I be more and do more? How to develop myself as a leading brand in my area?

Family
What can I do to improve quality time with the family? Have no phone calls from 8.00pm to 8.00am?

Take 2 family holidays

Have a whatsapp group for close and extended family

Social life
Have a place to be in touch with 10 of the most inspiring people in your networks. Join an organization that will keep you in touch with people who are doing well

Work life
What are the programs I can complete to enhance my value professionally. What are good work habits I can incorporate?

Find a mentor to guide me.  How can I improve my work life balance?

Andy Warhol once wrote, "They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself". So start the change by planning 5 happiness breaks for yourself every day.

Dr. Rekha Shetty Author of "Happy Street" and "Everyday Happiness Mantras"