As we wrap up the year, it’s time to look back at the past year and make plans for the future. What do you see when you look in the mirror at the end of a long day? Do you recognize the face of a person who is satisfied with their career, and feels fulfilled in their purpose? Or does the person looking back at you seem stressed, unhappy, or anxious for a change?

If you don’t like what you see as you look back at the past year, or as you look forward to next year, now is the time to make some changes. Take these steps as we transition into 2022, and renovate your career, personal life, or anything else that keeps you from living a truly joyous life.

Take inventory: Ask yourself, “what did I accomplish in 2021? How do I feel about my progress?

Did you set any goals at the beginning of 2021? Did you reach them? What moments made you proud? It’s time to take stock of your progress and celebrate it. You deserve to pat yourself on the back for all of your success.

On the other hand, maybe you’re not completely fulfilled by your accomplishments this past year. Take note of which opportunities you missed, or which attempts fell flat. View failures as practice runs for the real thing. You learned what works and what doesn’t work. Now you can try again or create a new plan.

Now, decide upon a direction for 2022.

Take the time to create a clear vision for the next year. Maybe it is based upon goals you didn’t quite reach in 2021, or perhaps you want to strike out in a whole new direction.

The trick is to really paint yourself a clear and detailed picture. What do you want your daily life to look like? Imagine yourself going through a typical day. What does your schedule look like? What types of activities do you do? Where are you working? Do you enjoy your work?

What needs to change, in order to live this vision?

Finally, commit to the plan in writing.

Now that you know where you want to go, make a plan to get there. Perhaps you want to increase your responsibility at work, take on new work, or move into a different position. On the other hand, you might rather strike out on your own, and start your own practice.

Break your goals into manageable steps and set forth clear benchmarks that you will achieve as the year progresses. It’s easier to reach goals when you approach them in sequential steps. Committing your plan to paper (or digitally, on your computer screen) helps you to commit mentally.

Now, plant your plan in your brain, and watch it grow and bloom!

As the clock winds down on 2021, prepare to put your plans into action on January 1. Remember, the results of our lives are directly tied to our attention and action. Now that you’ve paid attention to your reflection in the mirror, take action to make the changes for next year.