Wow, 2021 has been a wild year! As the year ends, I’ve been thinking about gratitude and kindness.

I know, there is still a week left during the year. Alternately, I it is not too early to reflect on how the year unfolded. As well, I look forward to how next year ought to begin.

Self reflection is a skill I have been trying to use recently. Given that I don’t like certain results, I feel compelled to look at my actions and attitudes. How did my actions and attitudes impact my results?

The question above is really tough to answer.

Equally as important, what beliefs do I hold that influence my actions and attitudes?

Another tough question to answer.

As humans being, we are all influenced by other humans being. As a result, none of us is immune to “stinkin’ thinkin'” or “so-so beliefs”. Working in the technology space, I find these concepts to be quite true given we are trying to solve complicated and complex problems.

There are plenty of books written on topics like attitude, beliefs, gratitude, and kindness. This post is not about my experience or reading.

Kickstart 2022 With Gratitude and Kindness

This week is your starting line. Use the week for reflecting and planning the next year. Resolutions are great, but only when backed up with action.

I get it. Planning really stinks and it’s challenging. I know some paraphrased quotes that reflect the concept.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

— Benjamin Franklin

Everyone has a plan until they get ________.

— Mike Tyson (said something like this one time)

Plans are worthless, but planning is indispensable.

— Dwight D. Eisenhower

What if planning works for you? It could, and you might see different results in your work/life. For me, I plan to focus on being grateful and kind in 2022.

How that looks is where my plan becomes important. I will show gratitude and kindness by making opportunities for action. That is the plan and it is simple.

Try it, what do you have to loose? Do you know anyone who could benefit from some gratitude and kindness in 2022? Just think about how it would positively impact your colleagues and family.