"Finish Strong" Said No December Ever
Finish 2024 Strong
What if we simply finished 2024... Intentionally.
I had a "duh" moment this week (they seem to happen more often these days...just me?!). Staring down the short holiday season and upcoming turn of the year, I was thinking about how to summarize the year and properly capture WTH happened in 2024. I'm a sucker for a new way of reflecting, new questions, new tools...and then it hit me, I already have the methodology to do this! And, I haven't shared it with you here!
(Picture me slapping my forehead on this one...)
I developed the CARE methodology last year to help my corporate clients (and me!) process challenging situations. CARE is an acronym that represents the four steps in the process: Clarify, Align, Reflect, Engage.
So, as we wrap up 2024, I'll share a quick weekly email using this methodology. A mix of reflection questions and vision thought-starters, I'll be doing this right along with you! I'm also excited to share a supporting AI prompt for each week. If you haven't been using AI to help you this way, now is your chance!
Let's take a moment to get crystal clear about where you've been and where you're headed. No heavy lifting required - just grab your favorite beverage and let's chat about your year.
Reflection on 2024: Gaining Clarity
You know that feeling when you clean your glasses and suddenly everything's in focus? Let's do that with your year. Take a few minutes to consider:
What were your "yes, that's exactly what I wanted!" moments this year?
Which accomplishments surprised you (in the best way)?
When did you feel most confident in your leadership?
What made you think, "I wish I'd seen that coming..."?
Quick Tip: Jot these down in your notes app or on a sticky note. No need for a formal journal entry - just capture those thoughts while they're fresh!
Vision for 2025: Creating Your Clear Path
Now, let's turn those insights into inspiration for 2025. Instead of making a massive to-do list (we'll save that for January!), let's focus on clarity:
If you could be crystal clear about just ONE thing next year, what area of your leadership would you choose?
What would "success on your own terms" look like in 2025?
Which of your strengths do you want to spotlight more?
What's one thing you'd love to be known for by this time next year?
💡 Try This: Pick just one of these questions that really speaks to you. Put it somewhere you'll see it daily for the next week. Let it simmer in your mind - some of our best insights come when we're not trying so hard!
CARE AI Prompt of the Week: Clarify
Want to explore your leadership journey more deeply? Here are some prompts to use with your favorite AI assistant (mine are Claude.ai and Pi.ai for this work). Think of it as having a thought partner who's ready to explore ideas with you 24/7! Open up your AI tool and enter this into the prompt box:
"I'd like to explore my leadership journey in 2024. Can you be my reflection partner? First, I'll share 3-4 key moments or achievements from this year. Then, please ask me 4-5 thoughtful follow-up questions that will help me gain clarity about what these experiences reveal about my leadership style, values, and potential. Keep the tone supportive and conversational, like chatting with a trusted mentor. Here are my key moments: [add your experiences here]"
Next: We'll explore the "A" in CARE - Align. We'll look at how to make sure your actions match your aspirations (and yes, we'll keep it light and doable!).
Here's to clarity in all the right places! You've got this!
