2016 is around the corner. And what a 2015 it was.
For many, 2015 will be remembered for Japan beating us in the Rugby World Cup; Bruce Jenner becoming Caitlin Jenner; VW being responsible for the biggest fraud in the motor industry ever; rhino killings sadly increasing and topping 2014 records; and ISIS’s presence getting stronger.
2015 confirmed how cycles are getting shorter. China’s Black Monday in the light of 2008 and the Great Depression, as well as the changing generational groups, are but a few examples.
With the release of the iPhone 6s with its new ad-block capabilities you saw how one feature you weren’t even aware of or asking for suddenly will change the way you use the Internet forever.
You probably also freaked out about your lack of privacy thanks to Facebook this past year. The list goes on and on.
For me, 2015 was about beer and the Oktoberfest in Munich, road-tripping through Namibia, mountain-biking in the Alps, starting my book and my travel business at last, and making big decisions about family and friends.
My biggest reflection is that I couldn’t fix everything. Letting go of that realisation actually empowered me to have the courage to follow the path I need to follow. That has been life changing and has strengthened me in ways I never thought.
In this ever-changing world, happiness and contentment seem to be the most prized possessions today. But with change all about, it means you have to be more focused.
You have to really take stock of what it is you need to enable you to design the world that will give it to you. Next comes accepting the new rules of your world. Sticking to your own rules is easy, which makes the journey more enjoyable.
So, what was your 2015 about? What are your insights and reflections over the last year? What do you want 2016 to look like with these new understandings? What will you need to get there? Have the courage to do whatever it takes, as you deserve it.
Make sure you finish off 2015 like you want the next to start and see you in another galaxy for Star Wars Episode VII before then. May the Force be with you … into 2016!
Author: Stanford Payne CA(SA) is an ICF-accredited executive and business coach
