Every year around this time I make a list of 50 accomplishments. The reason I came up the number 50 is that it takes me beyond all the goals I set and makes me process some of the more subtle accomplishments of the year.
So, at the beginning of my list I have things like “Completed Life Coach School with Brooke Castillo,” and “Won Nano,” but toward the end of the list, closer to 50, I have things on my list that don’t really seem like accomplishments.
Like, “I cut my hair short.”
Why is this an accomplishment? Because I wanted to do it for months, but I was afraid my ears would stick out and I was afraid that I’d look like a boy. Then I finally got to some tipping point within myself and I just went and got it cut. Since then (June, I think,) I haven’t once thought about my ears, which is cool, and every time I had the thought I look like a boy, I pictured the woman who’s hair cut I wanted. She didn’t look like a boy and neither do I.
My accomplishment wasn’t actually cutting my hair, it was recognizing that I’ve changed and accepting myself as I am now.
What have you accomplished in 2012? Try challenging yourself to come up with a list of 50 items. You’ll be surprised what you learn about yourself if you do.
Oh, by the way – you definitely do NOT look like a boy! In fact, I liked your cut so much. I have been playing around with cutting my own but haven’t gotten to the tipping point yet! Almost there….
Hi Laura,
Thank you! I have had short hair in the past and I’ve been called a boy, but only by near-sighted elderly people, so I don’t know why it took so long for me to let go of that belief!
Again, Happy New Year! 2013 is going to be great!
Warmly,
Diane
This is a very good idea for me – 2012 has been challenging on a professional, personal and physical level. When you have an especially difficult year, this is an exercise in optimism. Life is NEVER what we want it to be. Doing an accounting of 50 things will straighten out perspective and make you feel more positive about the coming year.
I think I am going to use this on New Year’s Eve and have everybody in my family do it and then we can read each other’s list!
Hi Laura,
I hope you enjoy doing the exercise and I hope your family does, too. I agree, life is what it is and there is always room for optimism.
Happy New Year!
Warmly,
Diane