A 3-Theme Annual Review Process
“Let us search and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40).
Is your annual review overdue?
I’m talking about your personal journey. We’re in the first month of a new year, and if you’re struggling with clarity on where you’re going, perhaps you need to recognize how far you’ve come. For an annual review, I guide my clients through a process of self-reflection, coach them through step-by-step goal-planning, and encourage them to trust their journey.
1. Self-reflection
By taking the time for self-reflection, you can more clearly see: patterns—good or bad—in your life, where some healthy boundaries may be in order, graces you’ve received, where God is calling you, and whether your goals are aligned with your vision.
If you’re not sure where to begin, I recommend looking at these seven key areas:
Mental: your input and what you choose to focus on.
Physical: taking care of your body so you have the energy to reach your goals.
Spiritual: alignment with your principles and values.
Family: whether you are a good example within your circle of influence (whether that includes a family of your own or not).
Financial: whether you are making wise decisions that inspire your hope and build your dreams.
Personal: taking personal time so you have the creative energy to excel.
Career: whatever your economic engine is, whether you have the right attitude and effort to continually build your skills.
Ponder your progress in each of these areas: wins, challenges, and the fruits of your work. Even if an area is a tough one for you, you’re still learning—so, what are you learning?
2. Narrow Your Focus
Next, take a look at three or four of the areas where you feel a sense of longing. Maybe it’s not even that you’re struggling in that area, but you know you’re built for more. Write a sentence stating what your goal (big or small) is for each of those areas. (If it’s big, the target date may be further out, but you want to start working toward it now).
What are the doable actions steps you need to take to reach this goal? I say “doable,” because it’s easier to take something step by step, whether it’s learning something new or dropping a bad habit, rather than “10x” it and burn out.
Keep the steps to your goal handy so you know what you need to do and when you need to do it. Dedicate at least 15 minutes to it five days per week. At the end of each week, you’ll be over an hour ahead of where you were before!
3. Trust Your Journey
Keep in mind that there will always be obstacles that arise on your journey. Plan for them in advance; actually consider what those obstacles may be, and keep in mind that the fruit of your goal is greater than the obstacles.
You can’t control the outcome, but you can control your mindset and your choices. It’s a tall order, but detach yourself from the outcome, and focus on who you’re becoming and whom you’re serving on the journey. God can work more in you and through you than you can imagine (Ephesians 3:20)!
Liz Montigny is a Catholic life coach for women and retreat leader. She coaches her clients to reach their goals with grace instead of hustle. Liz lives with her husband and their three boys in Massachusetts where she homeschools and builds her theatre ministry. Connect with her at lizmontignycoaching.com.