What’s your next chapter?

• The new year offers a perfect opportunity to envision and plan your next chapter

• A balanced, holistic approach to goal-setting leads to sustainable success

• Reflection and intention-setting create the foundation for meaningful growth

Mirror Mantra

As we approach 2024's finale, I've been thinking about how we set ourselves up for success. So often, we charge into the new year with a list of resolutions that feel more like punishment than possibility. But what if we approached this transition differently?

Recently, I sat down to do my annual vision-boarding exercise, something that's become a cherished ritual. As I reflected on each area of my life—family, career, spiritual practices, health, finances—I noticed something interesting. 

The areas where I'd thrived this past year were the ones where I'd set clear, intentional visions rather than just goals.

This reminded me of a conversation I had with a mentee who was frustrated about not meeting all her objectives for the year. When we dug deeper, we realized she'd been focusing solely on career metrics, neglecting other vital aspects of her life. No wonder she felt off-balance! Success isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder—it's about building a full, rich life that energizes and fulfills you.

As you think about 2025, I encourage you to take a holistic view. Where do you want to direct more energy? What areas of your life need nurturing? What would it look like to truly thrive across all dimensions of your life?

Remember: You're not just planning for the next 12 months; you're laying another brick in the foundation of your legacy.

Try this "Wheel of Life" exercise to set meaningful intentions for 2025:

1. Draw a large circle and divide it into 6–8 sections, each representing a key area of your life (e.g., Family, Career, Health, Spirituality, Finances, Personal Growth, Relationships, Fun/Recreation)

2. Rate your current satisfaction in each area on a scale of 1–10, marking your score on each section's radius (1 near the center, 10 at the edge)

3. Connect your marks to see your "wheel"—is it bumpy or smooth? Which areas need more attention?

4. For each section, address the following:

   • What's going well?

   • What could improve?

   • One specific vision for 2025

   • Three actionable steps to realize that vision

This exercise helps identify where you're thriving and where you might want to focus more energy in the coming year. The key isn't perfection in every area, but rather conscious choices about where you want to grow.

Keep shining, 

Sheila

P.S. I'd love to hear about your visions for 2025! Let's inspire each other to dream bigger and achieve more in the year ahead.

Have you seen my TEDx talk "Focus on the Mirror, Not the Glass Ceiling"? In it, I explore how finding the right mirrors—people who reflect our potential and validate our experiences—can transform our leadership journey. I'd be honored if you'd watch and share it with others who might benefit from this message.