It's that time of year when many people decide to sort through files, desk drawers and office shelves getting ready for the new year. The annual office cleansing ritual is a way to prepare for a fresh beginning. But are we clearing out the right things to truly prepare for a fresh start?
I believe the files and desk clutter are not the most important cleansing needed to start a new year with a fresh start. Take one day for your physical clutter removal and spend the rest of a week removing the mental clutter because this is where the greatest obstacles exist for starting anew.
Remove the mental pain
"Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me" may have been true in simpler times, but in today's world words cause much greater lasting damage. Remember the crushing remarks your boss make in the heat of emotionally-fueled conversation? Of course you do. How about the argument with a fellow executive where snide comments were made that still hurt? And that hundredth phone call that never got returned from a prospect? That was the day the phone became too heavy to pick up again.
This is the clutter that is a much greater obstacle to a fresh start than old files will ever be. Take the time to cleanse these memories if you truly want to make a fresh start on the coming year. To renew your vigor for the job and refresh the excitement for coming to work this is the right time to wipe this mental pain from your memory. If only it was as easy as washing a blackboard.
Cleaning office clutter is mindless work. Cleaning your mental clutter is intense work, and the payoff is well worth the effort. What are the memories you need to get beyond? What are the words that were said in the heat of the moment that have been given much greater credibility than they ever should have been given? What is still a thorn in your brain that triggers unwanted emotions? By working to clear this clutter you will return to the excitement you once had for your work.
Ask yourself 4 deep questions
When I do my annual end of year mental check list I find it best to ask myself questions to gain clarity to see if I am ready to take on a new year totally stoked and ready to hit it..
1. Do I still love what I do as much as when I started this business? If not, why not? And what am I going to do to restore that? Side bar: I hear so many executives tired this year, fed up with the negatives, concerned with the rapid changes that are happening, this may be the most important question you could ask yourself to prepare to be successful in the coming year.
2. Do I have the energy required to create a successful year? If not, what habits do I need to adjust in order to have that energy? (I'm not talking resolutions, I'm talking behavioral shifts!)
3. Where is my excitement level for the work I see coming in the new year? Base this on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 meaning I'd rather be anywhere else but here to 10 meaning my work is more enjoyable than vacation.
4. What areas within me are holding me back from delivering the ultimate performance in the coming year? What do I plan on doing about that?
I take the week between Christmas and New Year's Day to work on my mental de-cluttering and strengthening. It's the perfect time of year to cleanse, refocus, and clear the air in preparation for a running start to another great opportunity.
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