The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. And 
depending what frame of mind you're in, the changing year can 
either feel great-or miserable. Are you counting your blessings 
or counting your hard luck stories? 

Before you even think about what New Year's resolutions you'd 
like to make, it's important to be in acceptance of where you are 
right now. If you look in the dictionary, you will find that to 
"resolve" something means to break it up into parts and analyze 
it. A "resolution" takes it further by then making a decision or 
determination for the future. So if you want to make a quality 
plan for next year, don't just carry over your unresolved issues 
from this year! Give yourself a fresh start with this mood-
lifting exercise to wrap up the passing year and get yourself in 
present time. 

Step 1: List Your Accomplishments

One of the most common laments that I hear from business owners 
is "I didn't accomplish what I wanted to year." There can be many 
different issues underneath this one, but an easy place to start 
is with a "reality check." Get out a piece of paper and write 
down all the things you DID accomplish. If you're really stuck 
and can't remember, then get out your date book. Be sure to 
inventory ALL the things you accomplished, including business & 
personal activities, whether you completed them in whole or in 
part. Also, it doesn't matter whether you are satisfied with the 
results are not-the key is to dispel the belief that you didn't 
get anything done by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary. 

Step 2: Acknowledge Yourself

If you've been down on yourself, counting accomplishments is 
great way to start looking at the positive. But what about your 
inner life? It's not just about what you DO but who you ARE that 
matters. What personal traits can you acknowledge yourself for? 
Deepen the meaningfulness of your written list by including some 
of the challenges you faced and what personal qualities you 
developed within yourself. For example, did you show compassion 
in a time of conflict? Where you acting honorably by keeping a 
commitment to yourself or someone else? Maybe you experienced a 
tragedy, but developed a certain strength as a result. To me, 
it's the personal feats of courage, beauty, and integrity that 
are the REAL accomplishments of life. By acknowledging yourself 
in this way, you begin to build genuine self- esteem and get to 
know what the "real you" is all about. 

Step 3: Count Your Blessings

After you list your accomplishments, both inner and outer, you'll 
naturally feel more optimistic. It's the glass half-full 
perspective. So let's fill it all the way up! Ask yourself the 
question, "What am I grateful for?" Most people start out by 
listing the big things that they usually take for granted, such 
as a place to live and so on. But to get the most out of this 
exercise, I want you to look for the small and sometimes subtle 
things. Did someone say something nice to you on a day when you 
really needed it? Did a situation turn around for the better for 
you or for someone you love? On any given day, countless small 
blessings occur that make your life better. Gratitude is 
consciously receiving them with joy. So soak them up and let that 
joy shine from within! 
 

Jaya Schillinger "The Turnaround Queen" at 
http://www.InspirationInc.com is a certified life 
coach & small business consultant with over 20 years 
of business ownership & management experience in the 
fields of personal development, health, and beauty.
©2005 Jaya Schillinger, Inspiration Inc.