What’s Next? on your journey to truly thriving
by Jill Sockman
A couple of times each year, I offer a three-day intensive called What’s Next? It’s an opportunity to take a look at who you are when you’re truly thriving, what’s holding you back from being that person more of the time, and what’s the next step you need to take to be more in alignment with your passion and purpose in life. As we finish out 2015, when better to pause and consider What’s Next? for 2016?
I love this work, and am due for a refresher, so before the clock strikes midnight on 12/31, I’ll be taking a little extra time to get quiet and reflect on a few questions. Perhaps you’d like to join me:
1) List three times this year when you were thriving. Consider thriving as you at your very best, happiest and most authentic, whether in professional or private life. It might be a moment in time or an event or experience. List what comes to mind first, without editing. Who were you with? What were you doing?
2) What were your three biggest disappointments of 2015? Sitting in the seat of the witness- outside drama and blame and ego as much as possible- What role did YOU play in the turn of events, and what did you or could you learn about yourself from these experiences?
2) What did you accomplish this year that you’re proud of? Again, in any sphere of life, and in terms of what is most important, valuable and meaningful to you personally, rather than what we might consider an accomplishment culturally. How does it make you feel, and again, who were you with and what were you doing?
4) Take a moment to get very still and then ask the question to yourself: “what is missing in my life?” You’ll know you’ve gotten an answer from the most helpful place if it comes quickly and is just a single word or phrase. If it’s an extended dissertation, it’s probably the ramblings of the ego. Try again.
5) Review what you’ve written so far. Based on your thriving moments, what you learned (or could still gleam) from things not going your way, what you have accomplished and what’s missing right now from your life, what is your own answer, in the dimming light of 2015, to the question What’s Next? for you in 2016? What do you need more of or less of? What must change for you to be more content, fulfilled, and happy? And finally, what distinct, actionable steps can you take in that direction?
So, there’s your road map– or at least a great start. Far as we know, we just get this one chance, so let’s not waste any more time standing still, spinning our wheels, or looking behind us. It is time to turn the page and move forward.
Wishing you peace, prosperity, good health, good company, deep devotion, laughter, joy and countless blessings for the New Year.
