3 Step "Success Factor" Exercise

I love the month of December. Many years ago, I decided to give up any aspects of the holidays that caused stress or a feeling of "I don't want to be doing this!" As a result, I gave up shopping for gifts, attending any parties or events that I truly didn't want to attend, and sitting in Southern California traffic.

Instead, I enjoy holiday music and surround myself with it often. I delight in the beautiful light displays that so many lovingly create for our enjoyment. I attend all the holiday activities in my town of San Juan Capistrano where I can mingle with my neighbors and watch the wonder in children's eyes. I do some baking and warm up the house with smells of pumpkin and cinnamon. And I volunteer with local agencies who are aiding those who need a helping hand. Those are things I love about the season.

And for me, December is time to take some time off for reflection and planning for the upcoming year.

In that spirit, I want to share with you a 3 Step "Success Factor" exercise that can help you remember your successes...this will boost your confidence as you plan your goals for 2012.

1. Think of a success you've had in the past -can be long ago or recent. Write out a few lines about it. For example, here's one of mine.

I was the first in my family to get a college degree -while I proceeded to get several -the first one, the bachelor's degree, was in many ways the most challenging. I was attending college while working one full time job, a part time job and a Saturday morning job in the career counseling office of the university.

2. What did you have to do to achieve this success? Here's mine:

Prior to starting on the degree, I investigated possibilities, made appointments to talk with people at the university, attended an open house, researched financial aid and took the big step of enrolling. I set goals, got excellent grades and graduated.

3. What skills did you use to achieve your success and what qualities did you possess that supported your success? For my example:

Courage to change, Research skills, Set goals, Studied, Read, Wrote, Discipline, Initiative, and Organization.

Feel energized? These skills and qualities are always with you and can be applied to your next goal and desire! If you do this exercise with someone else, you can tell them about your achievement and let the other person jot down the skills and qualities you used. This exercise is a powerful energy raiser... Give it a try.