Learning Lessons from 2021

Cathie Leimbach • December 28, 2021

We are at the end of another year like no other. The incredible rate of change in our lives over the past couple of years has exceeded our normal capacity to comfortably handle uncertainty. Society has been challenged by the spread of Covid, the supply chain crisis, and the decrease in the working age population (as the birthrate continues to decrease). Being resilient, finding ways to move forward differently, has become essential for success!


Resilience requires knowing where you want to go, reflecting on what has and has not been helping you get there, and making changes that increase your success. This week is a good time to remind yourself what you were trying to accomplish this year, reflect on what helped you or hindered you, and decide what you will change to have a more successful 2022.


First, what were you trying to accomplish? What were your revenue or profit goals? What were your quality goals? How were you planning to maintain or grow your business? Did you meet, not meet, or exceed your goals?


Second, what helped you achieve the results you had and what hindered you from doing better? Continue to do the things that helped your success and stop doing the things that hindered your success. For example, one thing that helped me achieve my 2021 goals was outsourcing more administrative tasks to free up time for prospecting and program delivery.  I contracted to diverse individuals. To some I delegated tasks in which I was competent to others who also had the required skill base. To others I delegated tasks in which they were highly skilled so I wasn’t floundering in areas that don’t come easily to me. I will continue to contract out a diversity of tasks in 2022. On the other hand, one thing that limited my success was not planning my week’s and day’s work in advance. I will stop starting my work week without reviewing the full scope of the tasks ahead of me and I will stop starting my work day without blocking off time on my day planner for each priority task.


Third, what do you need to start doing to be more successful next year. For example, I need to think ahead about the upcoming tasks that others could be doing for me and delegate them in advance to free up even more of my time for the work that only I can do.

What do you notice when you reflect on 2021? What will you Start, Stop, and Continue so that 2022 is a successful year for you?

   

Take a Moment for Joy

By Cathie Leimbach • December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .

Wrapping Up Your Year – Celebrate Your Wins

By Cathie Leimbach • December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.