“Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie ahead.” – Yvonne Woon
Reflecting on what we can take from 2021 is the best way we can prepare to make 2022 as good as we possibly can.
I start every year with master planning my year in all areas of life, from my spirituality to my plans to serve others to making and growing money.
When I reflect on this year, I notice I have achieved no less than 80% of the goals I have set. The ones I have not achieved are the ones that lost importance to me along the year.
What stands out for me as highlights of my year are the following:
Developing my positive intelligence
I have focused on being more mindful to develop my positive intelligence. I have followed a daily process on an app called PQ (Positive Intelligence). It has been life-changing learning how to move my reactions from my primitive brain of flight, fight, or freeze to my “Sage” or executive functioning.
Growing myself through reading
I have read amazing books — both fiction and non-fiction. The 5 books that have profoundly touched me in my growth and self-leadership are:
- Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine
- The path of least resistance by Robert Fritz
- Magician’s Way by William Whitecloud
- Let your mind run by Deena Kastor
- The Choice by Edith Eger
Wonderful opportunities to be of service
My focus on service gave me multiple meetings with inspiring people and opportunities to be the anchor psychologist of a tv reality show called “Saving our Marriage,” and be in many radio interviews as an expert in the field of human behaviour. I am so deeply grateful for every opportunity and every person who chose me as their preferred Psychologist and Life Strategist, wonderful clients from many parts of the world.
Saving and growing my income
I have focused on cutting costs. (“Cost is like fingernails,” says Warren Buffet, “You need to cut it regularly.”) I have also saved a significant portion of my income because that is what wise people do. And I used opportunities our economy has offered to invest wisely.
My familial blessings
My daughter Charne gave birth to my second granddaughter, Raven Ayla on 24 May. What an amazing gift to have two precious granddaughters! My son Jacques turned into a responsible and successful man, and our youngest son Louis started his biomedical engineering studies at King’s College in London. When we count our blessings at night, we count our children and granddaughters twice.
Moving into my Cape home
At the end of May, we moved out of Johannesburg — home of 25 years — to our home in Pearl Valley Golf Estate in Franschhoek Valley. What a life change! My husband commutes to his Johannesburg office almost weekly, and I have the privilege of offering my consultations and facilitating my online courses over Zoom all while being in the most beautiful part of our country.
Great Health
Irrespective of having (or is it because of having) an auto-immune disease for 42 years, I am as healthy as can be. I continued to do yoga, Pilates, and resistance training; played golf; and walked. I honoured my health and made my diet, nutrition, exercise, supplements, stress management, and 7-8 hours’ sleep a night my priority.
Turning Point
I offered my flagship online program called “Turning Point” to 12 wonderful women. It has been an absolute highlight of my year to guide these 12 women to significant turning points in their lives. I am launching the next Turning Point on 3 February 2022.
To reflect on your year, ask yourself the following questions:
- How did I grow in the past year? Look at the 7 areas of life, namely spiritual, mental, business/career, finances, family, social and physical.
- What were the biggest challenges I have overcome?
- Who are the people in my life I want to express gratitude to for their impact on my life? Send them each your gratitude message.
- What are the most memorable and stand-out moments of my year?
- What am I most grateful for?
Write yourself a gratitude letter:
Dear Me,
We have been through another year and it’s time to reflect and acknowledge our self. I am so grateful for my growth this year. I can see my growth in the following ways……….
I acknowledge myself for overcoming the challenges of ……
I am so grateful for the following people in my life and for what they have done for me…….
What stands out for me about this year………….
I am deeply grateful for and say thank you for……..
I know this was not a perfect year. But no year is perfect. This was another year in which I learned more about myself and others. A year of learning to overcome challenges and create memorable moments. My next year will be as good, as challenging, as memorable as this one. I will work on my master plan for my life and do whatever it takes to reach my goals.
Thank you. I love you
From Me
Xxx
Wishing you and your family a safe, blessed festive period.
From my heart to yours,
Ilze
