As a year comes to a close many of us reflect on just what the year meant to us and what happened.Β
I have noticed that many people, me included, have been saying that they cannot believe the year is almost over. Where the heck did it go?
Christmas Time – for those who celebrate it
If you celebrate Christmas,Β this time of year is meant to be one of joy and giving. But for many people it brings stress and sadness.
I do not mean this to be a melancholy post so bear with me. π
There are people who have lost a loved one during the year. I for one lost my Dad and I know some of you have also lost loved ones and friends.Β This means a “first Christmas” without that person in our lives.Β While it can bring waves of sadness I am trying to focus on the happy memories.Β If you are one of these people who has lost someone I hope you can remember the good times and smileΒ with fond memories.
There are sadly many people in financially difficult situations right now. Christmas can add an additional financial burden to these people. It can be very stressful.
For many other people this is a joyful time.Β A time of family, friends and celebration.
Reflecting on 2013
From a business perspective I like to reflect on the year and assess the achievements and also work outΒ the things I can do better next year.
Here are some questions we have used over the years with various businesses.
- What is working ?
- What is not working? –
- If something is not working – do I change it or drop it?
- What can I do to achieve more in less time?
- What do I need to put more time into?
- What did I learn? – this is a very good question to ask yourself
You can come up with your own list.
Did you reach your goals?
If you set goals for 2013 did you reach them? You may have had business and personal goals if you are like me.
If you did not achieve some of the things you set out to do please do not beat yourself up. I used to have a bad habit of doing that. It achieves nothing.
It is healthier to look at why you did not achieve a particular goal.
- Is it something you really want?
- If it is was it too much of a reach?
- Or did you not go after it?
You can either reset the goal for 2014, adjust it or drop it once you have hadΒ a good look and honest conversation with yourself.
A word of thanks
There are many people in my life I am grateful for in 2013.
Right now I would like to say thank you to my Mastermind Group who supported me when my Dad died. Well more than Dad dying asΒ it had been ongoing with both my parents ill for some time.
These are the wonderful women Adrienne Smith, Donna Merrill, Sylviane Nuccio, Barbara Charles and Raena Lynn.Β You are amazing friends. WhileΒ I have not physically met you as yet I feel like I have known you for much longer than the time we have known each other.
Sylviane I especially am grateful for you being my guest blogger when you were so very busy yourself.
More thanks…
To everyone who has visited my blog and left a comment in 2013…. I am grateful for you.
We are planning to take some time out after this week.
I wish everyone a happy holiday season and let’s make 2014 a great one.
Please leave me your comments below. Was 2013 a good year for you?Β Do you reflect on the year as it closes?
Make it a great day.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
Click here to work with me personally
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue!
I am honored that you have mentioned me in this post. You know the feeling is mutual!
It’s a funny time because some people are joyous and some are going through many struggles from financial to loosing a loved one. Those of us who celebrate Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Then New Years rolls around and another year passed.
For me 2013 has been one of production and establishing a new journey in business. As you know, David and I have been working on our product which not only product creation. We hired a few one to one coaches and are tying up loose ends before the year is out so everything will run smoothly. Our Marketing coach has us doing our opt-in page 5 times already. But practice makes perfect.
In the middle of all this, we took 4 months doing minimal business because we moved and I am sure glad that’s over!
2013 has been a huge learning curve for us and now our goals have been met. Phew!
2014 is when we hit the road in our new venture and I feel like a kid waiting on a line to go on the roller coaster. I actually have butterflies in my stomach happy to reach our next level.
May you have a wonderful holiday season. I am so grateful you are in my life.
-Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
I wanted to mention you gals as you were so supportive. I know we are all that for each other.
I really feel for some of the families that are doing it tough financially right now. Especially if they have kids that is difficult.
Yes you sure had a big year with selling your other house and then moving. That in itself is big but to have the whole new product happening as well makes it a very full year.
I think you have been very wise to work with your marketing coach. We have had coaches in businesses before in various capacities and I really do think it is good to have someone from the outside looking at things with you. I am looking forward to seeing the results of all of this.
I think having some butterflies is quite healthy and very understandable.
You too have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the festivities. Thank you for so much.
Sue
Michael A. Buccilli says
I have been assessing my year Sue, it has been filled with ups and downs. I know what I need to do both personally and professionally. I agree about reflecting on positives and good memories.
I so wish that I were still a part of the Mastermind but I thank you all: Raena Lynn, Sylviane Nuccio, Barbara Charles, and Adrienne Smith for the information that you all have imparted to me.
Sue Price says
Hi Michael
How nice to see you here on my blog. π
I know a little about your year and yes you have had ups and downs. Knowing what you need to do certainly helps and is really the start of making changes isn’t it?
It was great when you were part of the group but understand your life has not been about blogging this year.
Have a lovely Christmas and all the very best for 2014.
Sue
Kuleep says
HI Sue, I’m visiting since many days and found your site is very useful and always get to see very interesting articles.
Sue Price says
HI Kuleep
Thanks for visiting me and for your feedback. I appreciate it.
Take care
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Hi Sue,
This is a great time to reflect, indeed, and unfortunately for you it was a sad year because you saw the health of your dad decline, and he died soon after that. I remember how bad you felt one day just before he did die and the only thing I could do is sharing some comfort with you.
But I also know that good things did happen with you as well, and that is very important to remember too, of course.
Thank you so much for the double mention, Sue. I’m glad to count you as a friend.
Have a great day!
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
You know even though it was sad when dad’s health declined and then he died this Christmas at least he is not in pain or at risk.
Yes there were good things in the year for sure and I am grateful for those.
I am sure you do your share of reflection and planning at this time of the year.
Thank you for your friendship, support and for the great blog posts you write. Have a wonderful Christmas and let’s make 2014 a great year.
Sue
Adrienne says
Hi Sue,
What a wonderful post and thank you so much for mentioning us. It’s been such a pleasure meeting you and I love how all of that happened. Since our first encounter through our business venture, we then connected through the mastermind group and you ladies have been so much support to me as well. I love our brainstorming sessions or our need to just laugh or cry. Life does get in the way at times as we both know which can put a huge bump in the road for our business and our personal lives.
You ladies were a huge support for me as well after losing Scott and that one has me a little down this month. I think the first year without them is the worst and the way time is flying by, next year will be here before you know it.
I’ve been somewhat reflecting on my year and I have not accomplished what I had planned so now it’s time to get myself in gear and decide how I intend to move forward.
Thank you for sharing this message with us and I hope you’re having a decent month yourself. I know you miss your Dad, it’s never the same without them in our lives.
Hang in there my dear friend and I hope to see you at least for a brief moment tomorrow. I know your month is crazy busy but if not, you take care okay.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
I could not have written this post without mentioning you guys. I love it how we support each other. I think each of us has had something happen through the year where we felt supported by our group. I too love how it all happened. I often the think the good thing about joining that business was meeting you.
I had you in mind somewhat when I was writing this. When you mentioned you were in a bit of a funk I guessed before you said it that it was because of Scott. As you say the first year is always the hardest.
I am like you and did not accomplish what I had planned to business wise. It is good to just stop at this time of year and re think what we are doing. I am determined to work less hours next year but be more effective. I have some ideas about it but really want some time out.
This month has been busy but good. Ivan’s business is the best it has been in years since the GFC so that is really good.
I may see you tomorrow but it will be brief as I have to go out for an appointment.
I know you will have a lovely time with your family next week. Get some rest and rejuvenate π
Thanks for your wonderful friendship Adrienne
Sue
Mary Stephenson says
Hi Sue
It is always tough at the end of the year. It gets you to tallying up what you have or have not accomplished. Then you question, is it a better year or not.
My mother died in 1986 and my dad in 1989. Christmas is never quite the same, it is just different. All holidays or birth dates or any special day becomes a new adjustment to what once was. I moved out in 1965 but did go back for a few holidays and those I like to remember. I now enjoy the quiet and peacefulness of the two of us and 2 cats being alone. If my daughter decides to visit then that is fine, but it is not a necessity for enjoying the day.
Am I where I had hoped to be at the end of the year…nope! Probably never really been in that position at the end of any year. Maybe that is a good thing as I now know I have a lot of growing to do. Mission is never accomplished.
Mary
Sue Price says
Hi Mary
Lovely to see you here.
I remember you saying before about your parents passing. It must have been when my dad died. For me Christmas is the last one this year as we have been through what would have been his birthday and other significant dates.
I too will just be with my husband this year. We do not even have pets anymore as we lost both our dog and cat in recent years. We decided to be just us two for a bit. Our kids are spread around Australia and this year we will not see any of them for Christmas. We have friends coming here right after for a week so that is good.
I too did not accomplish what I set out to do on a business level. Like you that often happens for me.
Thank you for your comment and have a wonderful festive season.
Sue
Lisa says
Hi Sue, this time of year can be difficult for many and the expectations do not help many either. You know – those commercials where everyone is having the Christmas of their lives – doesn’t happen often. I’ve had a lot of changes in my life this past year especially the past few weeks. I hope for the best, continue doing the work I love and finding ways to improve it and my life around me as well. We only have once to go around this way we may as well make it the best even if it means making more changes.
Your group sounds wonderful Sue, it’s awesome to meet friends online blogging, I’ve been blessed to meet several and am amazed how they are there for me in tough times.
Best wishes for a better 2014!
Sue Price says
Hi Lisa
I agree Christmas can be a difficult time and the commercials do not display reality that is for sure. Even growing up I remember my mother not wanting to see certain relatives and it was not all bliss that is for sure.
It sounds like it has been a big year for you with changes. I wish you the very best with them.
Our group is wonderful. I met Adrienne through a business we were in together then she suggested a blogging group and it went from there. We mastermind, laugh and cry together. It is fun and support.
I am glad you too have people who support you. We all need it as an online business can be lonely without it.
Thanks for your comment Lisa and I too wish you a wonderful 2014.
Sue
Barbara Charles says
Hi Sue,
First thank you for mentioning me along with the ladies of our Mastermind Group. It was so random that we met and how we have come together as friends and comrades for over a year now! What an amazing thing the Internet is? π
In our group we have shared love and work. Work as we help each other out in business, giving freely our time and effort to each other. Love because 3 of us have lost someone dear to us and we have helped each other get over those emotional and trying times. What an amazing thing love and friendship is! π
We’ve all gained and lost this year in various ways. Hopefully, most of us have gained more in our business and in our lives than what we’ve lost although it is extremely hard to measure.
I met many goals and need to work on others. I know now what is working and just need to implement consistently to accomplish more. The good this is I know what that is. I hope others are at the same place.
Have a great and wonderful holiday Sue. Thank you for for being my friend and I look forward to many years of friendship.
God Bless,
Barbara
Sue Price says
Hi Barbara
I had to mention our group and each of you in this post. It was a big part of the year.
Yes we do support each other in so many ways. I love also that we laugh together and can be very real with each other. That is true friendship.
It is interesting how we came together but to me it was meant to be.
Ah yes of course there are 3 of us who lost a loved one. There has been ups and downs for us all but I guess that is life.
Great you met many of your goals and I get you are clear what is working for you. That is a great way to start a new year.
You too have a wonderful holiday Barbara. And again thank you for being my friend.
Let’s make 2014 an excellent year.
Sue
Gladys says
Hello Ms. Sue
What a wonderful post to get us in the frame of mind of reflecting this year.
I know it has been difficult because of your dad’s passing and sometimes no words seem to help, but I know with time it does get better. I lost my mom six years ago and my dad four years ago. The holidays are still sentimental for me, but I try to focus on my kids and grandkids and the love of friends.
The year 2013 has been a good year, because this is the year that I started blogging and with the blogging comes along lovely people like you and the others.
Let’s believe that 2014 will be better for all of us.
Thank you and have a wonderful and peaceful holiday
Gladys
Sue Price says
Hi Gladys
Thanks for your comments about the post. I know it is a time of reflection for many of us.
I remember you telling me that your parents had passed away. I agree when we have our kids and grandkids it is where our focus goes.
I forget you are new to blogging as it does not seem like you are. I agree through blogging we meet a lot of people and they are in the main truly supportive. It is a great community.
I love your wording “let’s believe 2014 will be better for all of us” – it all starts with what we believe of course. A nice way to frame it.
Thanks for your comment Gladys and I wish you a wonderful festive season and 2014.
Sue
William Butler says
Hi Sue,
Yes, it certainly is a time of reflection on many fronts and on many levels.
Your questions should be standard for anyone interested in personal growth.
After assessing this year, I have made many inroads and have worked very hard all year to put things in place that will bear fruit. I’m not one to quit, especially three inches from the goal line. Just yesterday, I received one of the calls I had been waiting for.
2013 marks the year I met you. π Can’t wait to see what 2014 holds!
Enjoy a blessed Christmas.
Kind Regards,
Bill
Sue Price says
Hi Bill
I agree that anyone involved in personal development should be reflecting on the year which is almost over.
I know you would certainly have a process around this. Ah yes we did meet this year. I love that we get to meet some awesome people through the blogging community.
Great to hear you have some good things happening Bill. You deserve to!
You too have a wonderful Christmas and I wish you every success for 2014.
Sue
Harleena Singh says
Hi Sue,
Lovely post indeed π
I know how losses can be having lost my mom a few years back, and yes, the days come and go, but that person’s absence is something that never can be forgotten. Such is life and it carries on, along with the joys and sorrows. We have to live and move ahead in life, so we are told, but at times it all becomes so tough without that person in our life…. I had a tough time without my mom for many years, but time heals.
Lovely list of bloggers mentioned, and I’m glad you are all there for each other in the group. Yes, it seems like we have known each other for ages and I think we need to thank our blogs for bringing us all closer like a close knit family, isn’t it?
It surely is a time for reflection, and make amends of things not done, while letting go of those that weren’t in your hand. Bring in the new year with new hopes and all its newness now – looking ahead with full gusto.
Thanks for sharing. Happy Holidays to you and yours π
Sue Price says
Hi Harleena
I remember you telling me you had lost your mom and I know time does heal. I think the hardest times are the “firsts” of anything like a birthday or Christmas.
Oh for sure the blogging community is like a close knit family. It is amazing how well we get to know each other. When we read each others blogs we get a connection with the person for sure.
For me this year in my reflection I know I need to work smarter and put in less time. I like to break down the areas of my life and work out where I want to spend more time and where less.
Happy holidays to you and your family too Harleena.
Thanks for visiting me π
Sue
Emmanuel says
Hello Madam Sue,
Sorry for your lost. I lost my aunt but as you rightly put it, we should rather be
concentrating on the good times we had with them other than dwelling on our
losts.
Could you believe all that I wanted in 2013 was a .com domain? Hahaha!
I know that might sound stupid though as there is more to life than just a domain name.
I turn 23 on Jan. 1 and it is my prayer that things are going to take on the
dimension one has being dreaming of.
Sue Price says
Hi Emmanuel
Thanks for finding my blog and for leaving a comment.
I am sure you really wanted more than just a domain in 2013 but I get it was important to you.
I hope you have a very successful 2014.
Sue
Arleen says
Sue- I feel in the new world of creating blog posts I have also met some wonderful people of which I have never met. I really feel I know them. I would have never thought that I meet so many wonderful people at my age. Blogging has really been such a blessing. I am also happy I have met you. I feel like I know you but I have never met you. This has been a great year as I am blessed that I am able to get up everyday and tackle the new opportunities. Have a good holiday
Sue Price says
Hi Arleen
It is amazing how we bloggers get to know each other isn’t it? I think when we read a person’s posts we do get a good sense of who they are. I am very glad you have found the experience so rewarding.
I am glad I have met you too Arleen. You also have a wonderful holiday.
Sue
Alysha says
Yes, perfect and authentic information and your topics are always interesting. By following you few months I learn so much new and authentic information and ips. I think you are absolutely right in your points. Thanks for sharing this.
Sue Price says
Hi Alysha
Thank you so much for your feedback I appreciate it. I am glad you are enjoying and learning from my posts.
Have a happy holiday.
Sue
Mayura says
Hi Sue,
Wonderful post! π
I’m grateful indeed for sharing your knowledge and experience through this blog (and guest posts) as I’m sure many who visited here could make use of ’em, at least to change their perspectives for a better journey π I always admired how you look at things with a different perspective.
I didn’t know I had 2013 in fast forward mode and I’m another wondering where did it go π lol… So far I’m very happy as I could achieve my goals I planned this year except for reading all the posts and ebooks (which I’m trying to accomplish now), plus even more in some aspects which gonna be a very good start in next year. Mind you, I’m not a person with heavy to-do list though π
It’s very nice to see familiar names being mentioned too π I have no doubt about how supportive they can be.
I believe you have made it pretty well even it made some unforgettable moments in your life, Sue. How brave you are! Even you shared some untold secrets with us too. After passing all sorts of moments, now we are about to welcome a new year π
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Sue π Don’t worry, your loved ones will be always with you.
Cheers…
Sue Price says
Hi Mayura
First of all my sincere apologies for a late reply here. I decided to have a few days away from my computer but it turned into a week! We have friends staying with us and we have been having fun with them.
Thank you for your kind words Mayura I really appreciate them. I am glad you achieved your goals. I think you are smart not to have too much on your to do list. I often have too much and that really sets us up for failure.
It is now New Year’s Eve. Just over 9 hours left in 2013.
I wish you a wonderful 2014 Mayura and hope you achieve much more success and happiness π
Thanks for being a great guy.
Sue
Heru Prasetyono says
Self reflection is important to do. We should look back what we did in the past. Our failure, mistakes or success can be precious notes. Underline and throw away our mistakes then doing some correction for the future. Make a plan and have positive thinking will help us to be always motivated.
Sue Price says
Hi Heru
I agree with everything you said here and I love the way you said that our failure or success can be “precious notes”. What a nice way to think of it.
Thanks for your comment and I wish you a very successful and joyous 2014.
Sue
Spencer says
This year has been pretty good for the most part. I got a bit accomplished, but not all my new year’s resolutions happened. But maybe 2014 will be my year. Happy New Year’s!
Spencer
Sue Price says
Hi Spencer
Thanks for your comment. I wish you every success with accomplishing your goals and resolutions for 2014.
Sue
Phillip Dews says
Hi Sue,
My first visit here from Donna Merrills Blog and it’s quite apt that this is the first post I have read on your blog for I lost my mother on Christmas Day 2010 under quite tragic circumstances.
I will never forget turning into her road that cold snowy morning and seeing all of the police cars and ambulances for she was found outside her front door by her neighbor!
It has took me a while to get used to it and I still think of my mum everyday but last Christmas I felt that I needed to remember her and I plucked up the courage to write a post about my mum while being slightly inebriated!
Time is a great healer though and as I know that every Christmas for me now will never be the same I will endeavor to make the most of it and enjoy it as that’s what my mum would of wanted and at the end of the day I am a Glass Half Full kinda guy!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sue and have a Happy 2014!
Your New Friend
– Phillip
Sue Price says
Hi Phillip
Thank you for visiting my blog and welcome here. It is how I have met many other bloggers following people from other Blogs.
I am sorry to hear about you Mother dying on a Christmas Day. I am sure that changes what Christmas is about for you and your family.
I smile at you writing about our mum while being a little inebriated π I am sure it was therapeutic to write the post just the same.
Time does heal that is for sure and it sounds like you have a great attitude as well.
Nice to meet you and I am going to check out your blog now. You also have a happy and prosperous 2014 Phillip.
Sue
Aktar says
Hi Sue, A very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!0
Sue Price says
Hi Aktar
A very Happy New Year to you too.
Sue
Disha Sharma says
Hi Sue, I’m totally agree with you this helpful post ! I do think this is life & life never stop ! It just keep going always forward so we just need to be always with life. Well thanks you so much Sue for such a wonderful this post.
Sue Price says
Hi Disha
Thanks for your comment and yes I agree we do need to keep going forward.
Have a great week ahead.
Sue
Jess and Brandon says
When i look back .. i look at all my years, and each year for me is a step closer to fulfill all of my goals and dreams, and if i accomplish that, i have the strength to go forward.
Sue Price says
That is a great way to look at it and being a step closer is important. Thanks Jess and Brandon.