A Time to Review and Plan

Winter is naturally a time to ‘take stock’ and reflect on the past year—a time to review. But why should we bother reflecting on the past? Shouldn’t we just be focusing on the future? I believe there are two very good reasons for looking back at what we’ve done.

Learn from the Past

While we shouldn’t be constrained by our past, we need to understand it in order to make our future more effective. George Santayana famously said:
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
To perform better each year, we need to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again. As Einstein wisely pointed out, doing the same thing but expecting a different outcome is the very definition of insanity.

Reflecting on the past gives us a chance to see where things went wrong and, just as importantly, where they went right. By identifying patterns and analysing results, we can make smarter decisions moving forward.

Celebrate Success

We also need to acknowledge our successes and make time to celebrate them. As business owners, we often focus so much on what’s next—what still needs to be done—that we forget to appreciate what we’ve already achieved.

At The Last Hurdle, we make sure to celebrate our wins, however small. Taking time to revel in our achievements helps us stay energised and ready for the next challenge.

Plan for the Future

Of course, reflection is only half the story. After reviewing the past year, it’s just as important to look ahead and plan for the next. At The Last Hurdle, we’re always saying,
“You’ve got to have a plan, Stan!”
Without a plan, how can you hope to move forward with purpose?

Now is the perfect time to reassess your direction. Ask yourself:

• Are you still doing the business you set out to do?
• Are you still passionate about what you do?
• Does your current trajectory excite you?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no,’ then it might be time to rethink your approach. We spend so many hours at work, so it’s crucial that we’re doing something we love. Passion is contagious—if you’re not passionate about your business, why should anyone else be?

Write it Down

After reflecting on the past and mapping out your vision for the future, the next step is to write it down. Turn your thoughts into a concrete plan for the year ahead (and beyond). Having your goals clearly outlined will help keep you focused and accountable. And don’t forget to revisit that plan regularly to ensure you’re still on track.

If you need help getting your ideas down on paper, we’re here to assist. Book a complimentary consultation with one of our business development specialists and let’s get that plan in place for a successful year ahead.