As the year winds down, a friendly reminder to pause and reflect on the past year. Not to compare, but to review.

What worked? What didn’t?

What brought you joy? What brought you pain?

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Who was with you? Who wasn’t?

Then…

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Give yourself a great big hug and tell yourself how proud you are of making it through another year. In fact, celebrate with a burpee or two because we all know when life knocks you down, you do a burpee!

A friend recently asked what I wanted with this next year. Honestly — no idea, yet!

She shared an article written by Steve Jobs — here is a summary to enlighten and/or inspire you to something you may, in fact, want for this next year.

1. Are you doing what you love — are you passionate about what you do personally, professionally, mentally, physically, etc.? “People with passion can change the world for the better.” 

2. Do you feel impactful — are you making a difference, no matter how big or small? “Two people can see the exactly the same thing, but perceive it differently based on their vision.”

3. Are you seeking inspiration from others — do you seek out learning, growth, collaboration and creativity from your peers? “Creativity is connecting things.”

4. What are you selling — can you sell positive growth and dreams instead of simply a product? “Help your customer (child, friend, parent, colleague, etc.) unleash their inner genius and you’ll win over their hearts and minds.”

5. Are you saying no — are you eliminating the unnecessary to make room for what is really important? Can you say: “I’m as proud of what I don’t do as I am of what I do.”?

6. Are you creating an experience — in each daily interaction, can you adopt deeper meaningful connection? Ask yourself, “Am I in the business of moving boxes or enriching lives?”

7. Are you mastering your message — no matter what it is, are you getting people or yourself motivated and engaged? “You can have the most innovative idea in the world, but if you can’t get people excited about it, it doesn’t matter.”

There you have it — in the wise adopted words of Steve Jobs, a few questions to ask yourself as you look back at your year in review. Thank yourself, pause, stay in the present moment for a few breaths and then look forward in a positive light. Happy holidays!

Sarah Coleman is a recovery, life and wellness coach at Emerald Integrative Health, a personal trainer and fitness coach at Steamboat Fit, a CrossFitter, a food connoisseur, meal prep chef and an outdoor enthusiast.