Taking Stock of Your Work Life

Ancient Romans named the month of January for Janus, their god of gates, doors and beginnings. Always pictured with two faces--one looking toward the future, the other back at the past--Janus is a fitting symbol for the turning of a new year.

As we step through the doorway from one year to the next, it's natural to do as Janus does: look back and ahead. But this year, instead of just reflecting on the past year or making New Year's resolutions, consider using this first part of the year to take stock of your work life.

Spend some time with the questions below and, above all, tell the truth. Be honest about what you really want in your work and how you feel about it. Facing the truth may not be easy--especially if you feel entrenched in an unsatisfying line of work or as you consider practical concerns and finances--but face it nonetheless. You may have to wait to make major changes, but at least you'll know the changes you want to make. The relief that you'll feel from finally acknowledging the truth should be well worth any discomfort.

You can answer all of these or choose several that leap out at you. Also, consider answering the question to which you have the strongest negative reaction. You might be surprised by what your answer reveals.

• Does your occupation or business fulfill you? How or how not? What would have to change about your current work in order to fulfill you?
  
  
• Do you express who you really are in your work? If not, is there any occupation in which you could do that?
  
  
• What (else) is aching to be expressed through you?
  
  
• Are you achieving to the level that you want to? If not, why not?
  
  
• What do you really need and/or want?
  
  
• What unique gifts, talents and skills do you bring to the world? How are you using them at work (or not)?
  
  
• What beliefs are holding you back from advancement at the office or in your business?
  
  
• What do you want to let go of in the way you show up at work? How different would your life be if you did?
  
  
• What makes you feel great at work? Make a list now, and then notice things and moments over the next few days. You might be surprised by what actually makes you happy.
  
  
• Do you work too hard? Or, do you not work hard enough?
  
  
• Design a perfect workday. Notice if it's drastically different from a normal workday. How could you bring into your current workday one aspect from your perfect day?
  
  
• What do you appreciate about your life and work?
  
  
• In the New Year, what do you most want to preserve and/or protect about your current work situation?

Now, use your answers and your insights as a solid foundation upon which to build in the New Year and beyond.

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