LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT - FALL EDITION

As the year approaches an end, it is the perfect time to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth through year-end reflection and goal setting. This practice involves thinking about the past year, celebrating achievements, and learning from setbacks while setting the stage for a brighter, more purpose-filled future.
We start each of our all-staff meetings by taking a few minutes to cherish gains, large or small, together as a group. Celebrating wins is an integral part of the culture at the Don Wood Foundation. Our Board of Trustees also receives updates to our strategic plan and Mission Moment stories about our successful grant investments. Celebrating wins together reminds everyone of the purpose behind what we strive to accomplish and gives us a voice to bring forward team victories of which we can be proud.
In addition to taking time to stop and remind ourselves about the milestones we have reached together as a team, year-end is a perfect time for self-reflection. This effort can be a profound exercise that allows one to gain insights into life, and to make more informed and potentially transformative decisions for the future. While I am no expert in practicing self-reflection, my five steps include:

• Start with Gratitude:  Begin by expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and opportunities during the year. Recognizing life's positive aspects can bring joy and appreciation.
• Provide an Assessment:  Take a close look at achievements – or celebrate wins – but also consider the challenges and growth accomplished throughout the year. Remember the lessons learned, the new skills acquired, and the obstacles overcome.
• Acknowledge Setbacks:  Do not shy away from recognizing setbacks and disappointments, as these are valuable learning experiences that can propel one forward if open to learning them.
• Reflect on Core Values:  Consistently remind yourself about your core values and priorities. Are you living in alignment with them? Are there areas in your life that need adjustment to better align with what truly matters?
• Consider Health and Well-Being:  As you continue your reflection exercise, consider your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Are there changes that must be made to improve your health and happiness in the coming year?

Once you have completed a reflection on your year, you may also be ready to consider what goals you wish to accomplish for the new year. Goals give your life purpose and direction, but they must be specific and measurable. For instance, instead of setting a vague goal like "Get in shape in 2024" (P.S. fitness in some capacity is a goal I must set every year because I never quite get there with it, personally), I suggest developing something like, "I will exercise for 30 minutes per day, four days per week." The latter can be measured to determine if you are on or off track with your objective.
Also, make sure that goals are realistic and attainable. I have found from personal experience that setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Instead, select goals that challenge you but are still within reach. I also like to set a time limit around goals because this establishes a sense of urgency and helps me stay accountable. Another tip that works for me with successful goal setting is to break larger ones down into smaller, manageable steps. For those who know me well, it is no surprise that I love nothing more than to cross something off a list; it provides me with such a sense of accomplishment. Bringing your larger goals down to a more tactical level offers a road map for getting there. Finally, reviewing your goals and adjusting regularly is vital. Life is dynamic, and your goals must be agile enough to evolve with changing circumstances.
Year-end reflection and goal setting can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth and transformation. If you embark on a journey of this practice, be patient and kind to yourself. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the opportunity for growth and self-discovery each year, so you are on a path to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." – Wayne Gretzky
Laura M. Macknick. MA CFRE
President & CEO