“Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. “ –Jim Rohn

As 2013 draws to a close, many are frantically completing year-end reviews and mapping out goals for 2014. It’s a great feeling to head out the office filled with fresh, high expectations for the New Year and an extended vacation ahead.

Many of us have clearly defined career goals- linked to promotions, titles, pay increases and job changes. In reviewing your year’s accomplishments, what are you most proud of? What lessons did you learn? What skills do you need to develop to take you to the next level?

Happiness at work

Rather than making a list of New Year’s Resolutions, I challenge you to take some time to do a little soul searching on your career and what makes you happy- professionally as well as personally. Be honest! Given the number of hours we spend at work, its imperative that we consider how to enhance our happiness and well being in that environment. Plus, studies show that people who are happier at work are more engaged, productive and contribute to enhancing the culture of a company.

My friend Cameron inspires me. He spent well over a month, drafting personal mission statement- letting his mind wander, ideas percolate and then writing pages and pages. He was deliberate and methodical in his approach. Cameron greets each day with the question: “What will I discover today?” He is a change agent at work, and personally models a commitment to change and yielding a reinvention of self.

It’s a journey, not an assignment

I’m a dreamer, but a doer. I’ll block off time on my calendar to reflect on the next steps in my career, but rather than giving into the process I find myself drawing up to-do lists after a couple of hours. Hmmm patience is a virtue. It’s like meditation- you have to practice it and be comfortable allowing thoughts to enter your mind and then drift out. It’s a journey, not an assignment.

Over the holidays, I’ve decided to put together my own personal mission statement. I’ll use Cameron’s methodology, and focus on what I love in terms of work, family and life in general. I want to clearly capture these thoughts in a document so that I can be authentic and purposeful in how I love, lead and inspire.

What do you have planned for the holidays? Have you taken the time to write down what’s in your heart- what’s most important to you? Have you thought about what you’re REALLY willing to change?

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season, filled with joy, love, inner-peace and purpose.