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Jerry Clark
Jan 2, 20233 min read

2023


How will it end?


I like to read my friend's letters when they are giving an account of the past year. It is wonderful to see what they accomplished, where they have been, and all the things that they celebrated.


What if you write your 2023 letter recap this week.

What?! You might say…go to the end of December '23 and look back in your mind and write the future?! Seems out of place, out of your normal rhythm. But I believe it has the potential to be fun, inspiring, and impactful.


Sure, it can be both difficult and exciting to start today and write your story as if you've already gotten to your destination. Think about your goals, dreams, and desires for 2023? This requires you to imagine yourself in late December 2023, looking back on the year to see what you've accomplished.


Many years ago, I was the head of a committee that was commissioned to be active for one year. At the first meeting I challenged each member to write a letter. It was to say what they had contributed to the challenges ahead. At the final meeting of the year, these individually sealed messages were to be opened and read aloud. This letter was not to put members on the spot, but to challenge them to stay on top of their commitments. Wow, it kept us on our toes all year long. While some were quite proud of their forecast, others felt a little embarrassed.



We all work in context of annual goals, a 12-month execution cycle. In January, we believe we have plenty of time to complete our tasks; similarly, in March, May, and August. Then, October arrives, and we feel the pinch and get extremely motivated to accomplish our tasks because YIKES it’s the end of the year.


In the book, 12 Week Year by P. Morgan and Michael Lennington, they redefine your “year” to be 12 weeks long. In 12 weeks, there just isn’t enough time to get complacent, and urgency increases and intensifies. The 12 Week Year creates focus and clarity on what matters most. If we have short term goals and objectives, they come due sooner and procrastination gets challenged earlier, more of the important stuff gets done and the impact on results is profound.



Have you ever heard this statement. “If I don't know where I'm going the world will tell me.”


Will I be propelled by my own movement and rudder, or will I drift down life’s stream like a wandering stick? I'm dedicated to achieving my goals. I want to put my desires in writing and make them a reality. I want my rudder to lead me toward a predetermined destination, and my courage and zeal to serve as my driving force as I advance. I want to avoid getting caught in the perilous eddies of life and being thrown off course.


I love the question, “what or how many by when?” It is a specific challenge that motivates me to look ahead with a strategic and intentional approach. Not only do I want to accomplish something, but I also want to do it on a specific date.


I like the idea of living in the present moment and anticipating what lies ahead in life. They work in harmony, in my opinion. That’s how I see their connection, which is what makes my life work.


How will your 2023 end? Go on write your letter now and put it in an envelope and look forward to reading it at the end of the year.


Are you up for the challenge?


Let’s refuse to let the year get away from us.


Watch for the blind spots.




Feel free to comment, like, and share these posts.



You can get a copy of my book below.

Blind Spots in Relationships

What I don't know I don't know about myself


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