t’s already Week 3 of 2018 which feels impossible because I’m pretty sure Christmas was just a few days ago. How is it that time continues to march on at a faster and faster pace with each year? I know I’m not alone in this because many friends and colleagues have voiced the same concern.

For me, the beginning of 2018 has been a time to do some self reflection about my business, personal and professional goals, and intentions for the year. Most years, I set some SMART goals and dive right in, but the timing of an upcoming vacation over the last two weeks of January has forced me down a different path.

The truth is, January has been unproductive from a business standpoint. I know I probably shouldn’t admit that, but consider this my virtual confession. Here’s the thing – I want 2018 to be better and different than years past, and I believe this January-lite is going to help that become a reality.​May you have the courage to listen to the voice of desire that disturbs you when you have settled for something safe. –John O’Donohue, LongingI’ve been doing a lot of reading and writing, asking myself hard questions, and wondering what it is I really want this year to look like professionally. I realized that I don’t want to play it safe. I don’t want to keep running a business just because I know how to. I want to go further, whatever that means. After all, my word for 2018 is ONWARD.

For me, the most important thing I am doing to push myself is to pause and ponder. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but I think it might be the most important thing I do all year.

So, I am setting an intention for this upcoming 11-days – a snowboarding trip to the mystical island of Hokkaido, Japan – to seek stillness and silence wherever possible. I am going to create space for meditation and other contemplative practices that have been shaping me this past year. I am going to train my mind to get rid of the constant barrage of to do’s and worries. And just be. Enjoy. Wonder.

The goal is a 2018 with a clearer vision for the types of clients and projects I engage with. A new year where I feel a little lighter and more energized to do this work that I already love. To be a better version of myself, more sharp and mindful, to take my work (and my clients’ organizations) to the next level.

The good news is that once I return, I have 11 months to accomplish just that.Photo Credit: Travel + Leisure