CEO’s tend to use the month of December to reflect on the past calendar year and see where there is room for improvement. In addition, it is a time to plan for the year ahead and make necessary projections and forecasts.

Since household managers (whether we work outside the home or not), are essentially running small businesses, I have found that the same principles can be applied successfully to family organization. While normally I try to “stay in the present” and not dwell on the past or worry about the future, this is the one time of year that I take the time to reflect and project.

REFLECTION Year-end is always a wonderful time of year to reflect. I have found that when I look back on many years at a time, sometimes they can run together and I don’t always remember exact details of each year (especially as I get older!) As a result, I recommend writing in a journal, even if it only once a year. I started a holiday journal as a tradition, when we started our family. Each year, we write down the memorable things that happened—good and bad. Certainly, this is more sentimental than what a corporate CEO would do, but as multi-tasking, super female phenoms, a.k.a. SheNoms™’ a term I’ve recently trademarked for my next book. A SheNom is a woman who doesn’t necessarily differentiate between personal and professional lives since they are always “on duty.” Unlike many of their male counterparts, who typically keep a strict line between their personal and professional lives, we Shenoms ™ are typically reflecting on what we need to do in all areas of our lives—ways to manage this division (kids), manage that division (finances), manage the other divisions (career) etc… YOU GET IT! So, in my journal, we reflect on what happened in the year, personally and professionally. After I see it in writing, it is easier to see where there is room for improvement. Where did I excel? What life lessons did I and my family learn? And, for this year in particular, what good came out of any difficulties?

As always, I like to say focus on the progress rather than perfection. The past year taught me many life lessons. As I came to realize, especially during Thanksgiving, I have so much to be grateful for. What happens in life isn’t always what it appears on the surface. Through this past year and its deep recession, my family and I became closer. We started spending more quality time together, had more meals together, prayed more together. The end reflection was that our family unit is stronger despite all the negative economic news we had last year. We choose NOT to let the state of the economy rule the state of our family. In summary, we women are ‘Shenomenal™’ at reflecting and this is a great time to do it and write it down!

PROJECTION Although no one is able to project the future perfectly, what we can do is make projections and forecasts based on our goals and expectations. Certainly, this is more difficult for those who are unemployed, but either way, I say “fake it until you make it.” Success breeds success, so start to think like a successful CEO of your life. What are your goals for the year? Be realistic… sometimes baby steps are best, however, visualize your goals and start to behave as if they are on the way. What we can predict and control is our behavior. We can take the right actions, or the next right step, and sometimes that is all we can do. The results will certainly vary and may be out of our control.

Look at life’s different divisions again—finances, children, household maintenance, personal relationships, career etc. Write down the goals for each for the year. This can be very handy to review at this time next year.

Projections are also a good way to anticipate future events and avoid possible problems. My daughter will be applying to college this coming year and we will need to make sure that the funding is there. My husband’s is turning 50 this coming year and I may want to think about a super surprise and plan for this. I am working on a new national book deal and merchandising relationships. I want to take a spiritual retreat with my best friend from college. Write it all down!

Back to the planning aspect. Once the plans and projections are written down, you have a reference point and can plan your quarters, months, weeks and days accordingly. It always starts with the big picture! Take time for some quiet time this month. Yes, I know it is December. Why not schedule in 30 minutes a day to sit still and meditate (or every other day, whatever you can legitimately accomplish) PUT IT IN WRITING on your calendar and make it your daily medicine so it’s THAT important, to sit still, quietly, pondering the past year. Then, ponder the present moment and cherish it. Then ponder your goals. Spending time in the present can be the best ‘present’ you can give yourself this holiday season.

Season’s Greetings!

Devon Fleming is considered the area’s Home and Lifestyle Expert. She writes books, articles, blogs, and other online content. She provides ‘Fairfield County Living Tips’ on four local radio stations and appears on area TV providing lifestyle segments and “solutions for the modern woman.” For more information, visit [DevonFleming.com] or email [devonfleming.com] .