2015 is almost here! There is something great about starting a new year. It’s like you get the chance to begin all over again; similar to starting a new job, commencing a new course or a new relationship. A positive, motivating energy comes with the new situation. In many ways, it is a new beginning because you can’t go back and change what happened last year.

But what about 2014?

I hope that 2014 has lots of successes and fond memories but possibly there is something unwanted that you might carry through into the New Year. Things like disappointments, failures or mistakes. Amidst my successes this year I have some things in 2014 I’d willingly leave behind. In fact, holding on to those things can be negative energy and a subconscious conversation that could limit possibilities and undermine your best 2015.

Closure is a relatively new concept but one we are very aware of if we’ve had a difficult relationship breakup or someone close to us is dying or passed away. There is something left undone or still incomplete. I’m sure you have met people that even though they have ended a relationship or the relative has passed on, they are still being impacted negatively. They need closure so they can move on.

Some years ago, when I worked for a telecommunications company I had a mixed experience. Mostly I’d gained an extraordinary amount. I’d become the top sales consultant in Australia, earned $1000’s in commissions as well as developing many new skills. My sense of self was at an all time high again after taking a battering during preceding years.

On the other hand though, I’d had a team leader who been trained by the Gestapo and lacked leadership skills.

They were unpleasant to work with and undermined motivation through their micro management. Also, the company was taken over by a foreign investor and at times it felt like I was being treated more like a battery hen instead of a reliable, loyal and successful employee. I felt it was time to move on so I resigned to commenced my coaching business.

When I walked out the doors of the building for the last time I consciously stood at the entrance for a moment. People looked at me strangely. What was I doing? In my mind, I was ensuring that all the negatives were left behind in the building and I walked out free, with only the positives experiences. I HAD CLOSURE.

What can you do to make sure you leave all the negatives from 2014 behind? Write them down? Burn the piece of paper, throw them in the ocean or bury it? Create your own ritual to consciously separate yourself from them.

Make sure you also remember your successes and achievements. Congratulate yourself. Remember that many of the problems were first world problems. Be grateful for your blessings.

 Make sure you begin 2015 with only excitement, enthusiasm and anticipation. That’s why you’ve been given a NEW YEAR. Remember that 2015 at this stage is a clean canvass. What will YOU create?

Genuinely wishing you every success in 2015.

Anthony Venn-Brown