About this time each year, I start thinking about how to finish the year strong. Although 2020 has been unbelievably disruptive, I’m still determined to end it on a good note. I want to encourage you to do the same, even if that goal is to lose all that quarantine weight you gained (which, as of this morning, has become another goal of mine).

Now that we’re two-thirds of the way through the year, how are you tracking on your 2020 goals?

I finally released my book, Leading on Purpose: The Black Woman’s Guide to Shattering the Glass Ceiling. If you haven’t picked up your copy yet, purchase it from Amazon.

It’s an excellent handbook for those who are trying to advance their careers.

I’m also still planning to launch a Women’s leadership coaching program and on-demand webinars. Although I didn’t start these initiatives on schedule, I’ve committed to completing them before the end of the year. If you’re interested in participating, I’ll add you to the interest list, and stay tuned for more details.

To help you reflect on your progress in 2020, ask yourself the following:

• What are my goals for this year? How did COVID impact them?
  Be honest with yourself and make sure you’re not using COVID as an excuse or a story you tell yourself to hide behind.
• If I haven’t yet started my goal, why not? Is it still something I want? If it is, aside from COVID, what has gotten in the way?
• How is my mindset and how I’m thinking about approaching the goal supporting or hindering me?

Figure out what is getting in the way, identify some immediate steps you can take, add them to your to-do list and calendar right now, and move forward! If it’s no longer a goal, why not? If it’s still important, when will you go after it again? 

If you’ve started working towards the goal but you feel stuck, ask:

• What do I need to adjust? Is it my schedule, do I need to manage my time better, do I need to be more disciplined? 

Next, consider your responsibilities, priorities, and all the shifts you’ve had to make this year:

If your goal is still a priority, ask

• Is my target date still realistic or do I need to adjust it? 
• On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being “I did it!” how close am I to my goal target? Am I where I need to be? 

Finally, to provide you with a little motivation, think about:

• What achieving the goal will mean for me, my family, my community, etc.
• How it will make me feel? 

Keep that feeling alive, find an image that will help you bring your goal to life, and ensure it’s visible. 

Don’t give up, even if life has been getting in the way. It always will. Decide to finish strong. Celebrate your progress to date, hold yourself accountable, and enjoy the process!  

To your success,