I have grown to really appreciate Thanksgiving and all of the sentiments that come with it. Think about it… family, friends, gratitude, comfort foods… it’s all GOOD stuff!  Fall, in addition to Thanksgiving, is the perfect time of year to reflect. Thanksgiving feels like the calm before the storm to me.  Sure, we are busy with planning, cooking, serving and cleaning. But if we think about it, there is also time to take a breath during a work week that may be quieter than normal.

I believe that deliberate reflection is an often forgotten, but very important, piece to personal and professional well being. My tip for the next week:   Before the flurry of holiday preparations set in, make time to reflect.  It doesn’t need to be hours.  Try 10 or 15 minutes. Sit down in a quiet place and think.  Sort through your mind and recall what you set out to do back in January.  Think about everything that you have accomplished and congratulate yourself for a job well done.  If you missed the mark in some areas, don’t worry– the year isn’t done yet.  Refocus your energy and choose the next step to further that goal with one task.

I think you will find that once you have stopped to reflect, you can then start to plan for what’s to come next year.

Happy Thanksgiving!