Reflecting on 2023: Shifting Our Mindsets from Chasing Goals to Cultivating Them

In the blink of an eye, this year has raced past us, leaving us once again at the juncture of reflection on the past twelve months. Amidst the hustle of wrapping up the year and fully embracing the holiday spirit, take a moment to remind yourself – you actually made it. Pause and let that sink in for a second. Regardless of the twists and turns of the year, let’s make an intentional decision to celebrate the arrival at the end of 2023 and the anticipation of what 2024 holds.

Often, we tend to approach things in a binary manner—a win-or-lose scenario. Did I meet my objective from the beginning of the year, or not? But life truly isn’t that simple. It’s crucial to move beyond the mere attainment of goals and assess the journey. What were the actions that propelled progress, and how were roadblocks navigated or overcome? If expectations weren’t met, delve into the internal landscape. What thoughts or emotions hindered progress? What was going on inside of us when we were approaching our goals?

External factors are a constant, but our ability to handle them stems from our internal being. We may not control the world around us, but we do wield significant influence over the world within. It’s an intricate dance where mastering oneself becomes the key to navigating the external landscape. Those seemingly unstoppable individuals, the ones moving mountains, have likely invested in understanding and mastering their own complexities—be it tendencies, weaknesses, or strengths. Through internal work, they transform into a formidable force capable of dealing with both the expected and unexpected external factors.

When you are not clear with yourself, and your internal compass is foggy, it’s tough to discern your actions, their consequences, and the overall trajectory. Some might mistake this fog for complacency, when, in reality, it might just be a lack of direction. In addition, procrastination can set in as you delay tackling the hard tasks because you don’t have a clear reason for why. Finding balance is essential, but clarity about your motives and the season you’re in is key.

Embarking on 2023, I was incredibly excited for the second full year of my business to unfold. I closed December 2022 emphasizing the Extended Family concept, and the power of collaborating with values-aligned leaders. We aimed high, expanding the client roster and helping them meet their objectives. We gained more structure in our day-to-day team. Some client relationships evolved to completion as goals were achieved – and it feels good to write those chapters. In many ways, despite external factors shifting focus, whether due to family changes or circumstances, the growth trajectory of Gilded Knight Consulting this year speaks volumes.

Much like farmers tending to crops, our goals should be cultivated. When we approach achieving our goals as a continuous process, adjusting activities based on the season, it changes the way in which we view success. I am learning the importance of acknowledging the work done, even if it doesn’t yield immediate results. Success isn’t microwaved; it’s cultivated through consistent effort, solid habits, and unwavering commitment.

The shift in mindset from chasing goals to cultivating them allows for a more holistic view of progress. Assessing the state of the business and understanding its growth, even if not as anticipated, fosters a more resilient perspective. Personal milestones, like turning 40, brought a realization that success isn’t solely tied to the business.

Balancing active cultivation with acceptance of uncontrollable factors prevents sliding into complacency. For Gilded Knight, positive feedback from clients has been a testament to the team’s dedication, a virtue often lost in larger bureaucracies. The satisfaction of witnessing several clients acknowledging the team’s commitment has been a highlight of 2023.

We are proud to have supported projects focused on revitalizing communities, like My Brother’s Keeper DC, and facilitating conversations to address local issues, highlighting the impact that can be achieved at the grassroots level. Earlier this month, we helped project manage the production of the Local Action Summit here in DC, which was focused on uplifting the power and promise of boys and young men of color in the District of Columbia. 

It was an important reminder that, amidst the chaos, real change happens day by day, internally and within local communities. So, while the world grapples with larger issues, don’t forget that our immediate surroundings (and our own minds) hold the potential for real and meaningful transformation.

2024 presents an opportunity for us to sharpen our focus, dig deeper, and prepare ourselves for new beginnings. Personally, I can’t wait!

In the meantime, if we haven’t connected recently, let’s catch up. Click here to schedule a 30-minute virtual coffee chat in the coming weeks!