It’s around this time of year when I begin to ponder about the upcoming New Year and my New Year’s resolutions. I think about the past 12 months in an introspective manner; I think about my work and family life and the personal goals I wanted to accomplish.

I ask myself:

1. Did I accomplish my many goals? How did I succeed?
2. Was I graceful under fire, or did I let the stress show through?
3. Did I do enough for my kids (mother’s guilt)?
4. Did I spend enough time reflecting on my own needs?

I think about how I can manage and accomplish these important goals and make them really happen over the course of the next year. This is where my “goal list” happens. It’s here that I think of these all encompassing “New Years Resolutions” and how I can enrich the next 12 months of my life and make it one to remember.

At the beginning of 2011, I had a “work goal” of increasing my sales productivity by 50%. As of right now, I’ve surpassed that goal, selling 100% over last years sales. It feels wonderful to have doubled my business and know that I did it with integrity, honesty and tenacity. I’m very proud to be able to say that this was a goal I set and accomplished.  For next year, I plan on going even further and doubling my business yet again. The sky is the limit when you work with the belief that you can do something positive by always putting others before yourself!

As for my family goals, I wanted to find the perfect balance between family life and a successful career. This year, my family and I took many fun trips throughout the US and Canada. We spent great quality time together, and most (I can’t say all) of the time I had my BlackBerry off! Again, it’s finding the balance. I have such an incredible support system at The Partners Trust which has allowed me to enjoy my family time without feeling guilty about work. It’s still a work in progress for a workaholic like myself, and I can honestly recognize that this goal has not yet totally been accomplished. I am up early each morning with my kids, take them to school, work in their classes, attend every field trip, pick them up, and do homework with them. I attend every football practice and game, yet somehow, still feel as though I should be more present. What’s the trick? Maybe I can find it in 2012!

And finally, my personal goals. I wanted 2011 to be a year of healthy living. I eliminated most sweets from my diets, saw a nutritionist, and found my miracle juice Kevita. I feel better than ever! I really wanted to keep my exercise and workouts up… unfortunately this didn’t happen. In fact, I failed miserably. I had a goal of working out for at least an hour each day, but with my busy work life and family demands, it just didn’t happen. Next year, I will accomplish this goal! I will, I will, I will!

I’m proud to say I’ve accomplished so much in 2011 in both my career and my personal life. Want to know how I kept on track and accomplished these? Here are two huge tips from the professionals that helped me reach my goals:

1. Make a practical goal: I find that goals are easier to reach when you think of something practical. As much as I like a challenge, it also feels GREAT to have a goal and reach it. It often times makes me even more motivated to reach the initial goal I thought of in the first place! Baby steps! Break your goals into smaller and more obtainable ones, and watch your motivation soar when you reach your first step. Also, believe in yourself and that you can do anything you set your mind to.
2. Write every goal down: I once read that it’s easier to remember and keep yourself on a straight path if you write each and every goal down. Sure enough, when I wrote them down and put them in a place I saw everyday, I found myself feeling more inspired then ever. Write down detailed goals and re-read them often. Even attach pictures to these goals that remind you of where you want to go! The visualization helps quite a bit!

I’m so happy to be able to share with you not only my accomplishments, but also my thoughts, feelings, and all of the things that interest me.

Now I want to hear about your goals! What did you succeed in this year? What are your goals for 2012? What helps to keep you motivated?  Tell me all about them in a comment below!

Photo courtesy of Karlo’s Flickr