When we plan and execute our personal and business goals for the future remember to REFLECT on the past.

Always celebrate your successes, learn from your shortcomings and be grateful to those who have helped you along the way. Use the acronym REFLECT to guide you through the process.

R- Reflect and review the past year. Did you take the responsibility for both your successes and failures? Did you reward those around you who achieved personal goals and who helped you to achieve yours? Were you resilient in the face of challenges and stress? Did you take the appropriate actions to be resilient?

E- Both E's in REFLECT stand for envisioning a bright future and striving for excellence in yourself and others. Eliminate distractions and negativity and exercise your mind and your body.

F- Have fun and be fair, but above all, remain focused on your goals and the action steps that are required to achieve them.

L- Look for lessons learned from both your successes and failures and incorporate what you have learned into your daily activities. Improve your listening skills with those you love and with everyone else.

C- Are you absolutely committed to your success or are you comfortable in staying in your comfort zone? Are you building a culture of caring, commitment, and cause and effect?

T- What are you tolerating in your personal and professional life that you can no longer tolerate if you are to achieve the goals you have set for yourself? Tolerations can be big or small, but no matter their size, they drain your energy and detract from your focus. "T" also stands for team. You can't do it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive team to help ensure and accelerate your success and theirs.

To quote Confucius on the subject of Reflection:

"By three methods we may learn wisdom; first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest."

Good luck to you on your journey to success.