Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

—WALT DISNEY, Film Producer, Director, Animator, Entrepreneur

“Wow, it’s December already?” … “Where did 2017 go?” … “Wowza! Time flies.” If you are tuned in and listening to people, you have likely heard a few year-end clichés. Which got us thinking about reflection. Or, more specifically, the return on investment when you spend time being reflective.

So, when is the last time you gave yourself permission and some space to pause, slow down, reflect and process all the things and events that happened this year?

Lululemon, the yoga-inspired apparel retailer, recently launched their Breathe It All In campaign that includes meditation and mindful breathing podcasts (free content is available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Connect, Soundcloud, Facebook and the Lululemon app) as well as in-store, real-time “time out” space for customers to retreat to during the holiday season. Applause. Or, rather: “Breathe in, 1-2-3. Breathe out, 1-2-3. Om” That’s really understanding customer pain, customer experience, how to align your brand’s wellness message and cultivating a culture of gratitude at the next level.

In the space of less than three and a half minutes, James Taylor masterfully delivers deep wisdom on the subject of how to enjoy the passage of time in his The Secret O’Life. His words help to remind us: consistent reflection is a powerful way to practice mindfulness and savor gratitude. He smiles and “tips his hat” to Einstein’s Theory of Relativity.

Coincidentally, a few weeks ago Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness” sold for $1.56 million at a highly publicized auction. Finally, ninety-five years after it was written, Einstein’s wisdom on contentment has been revealed to the public: “A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” LiveScience explores how Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness” stands up after all these years. The idea of pursuing life-work satisfaction are interesting and worth considering as you chart your course for the new year.

We respect the responsibilities of modern life require us to manage our time and resources both independently and collaboratively both at work and home. Most of us made the switch to using an electronic calendar to manage our time and tasks a long time ago. Poll your friends and colleagues for their favorite apps and you’re likely to get as many unique opinions as people you ask. People tend to favor managing their time in ways that appeal to their styles and preferences.

Depending on where you are in your personal and professional journey you may find three key questions helpful as you explore the opportunity to reflect and chart your course for the new year:

  • Would you consider keeping a journal to help you build space to practice personal mindfulness?
  • Which priorities and habits have you outgrown? In other words, what are you willing to leave behind in 2017 to move forward?
  • What actions will you take to make 2018 a game-changer?

Here at Transform, our passion is helping you advance your vision by connecting strategy into actionable goals. Reach out to us. Let’s set time to have a conversation to explore how our approach to transformational coaching can help you to build momentum in your personal and professional life. Perhaps 2018 is the year you prepare your transition for your “Second Act?”