Do this one thing before setting 2020 goals

I love New Year. Not the evening bit that can be hit and miss, but the optimism of a new year, the sense (however false) of a fresh start, of a blank slate. I always spend some time planning my goals for the next year, in all areas of my life. But here’s what I do first:

I do a review of the year that’s over.

It is so easy to focus on what we have not yet achieved, have not yet done or have not got. Especially when planning NYE resolutions or business strategies for the year ahead. Yet, by doing this first, we miss every success and win of the year before.

Prime your brain by making it reflect on all the wins of 2019 first

So, think back. What went well? Not just in acting, in all areas of your life. Acting does not happen in a vacuum, and who we are in one area of our lives, is usually who we are in all areas of our lives.

• With that in mind, think back and ask:
• What have you learned this year?
• What new things did you try?
• What scary thing did you do (even though it made you uncomfortable)?
• What new skills did you acquire?
• What fears did you overcome?
• What new friends or contacts did you make?
• What was the most fun experience of the year?
• How have you grown as a person?
• What contribution did you make?
• What are you most proud of?

It is so important to see and document your successes. The brain is fallible and will forget, drawing your attention to the lack. Review your year from this positive perspective and you will be in a better mindset to start your 2020 plan – for success in all areas of your life.

For further tips on building your acting success check out my book, Talent isn’t Enough.