2016 was a heck of a year, wasn’t it?

As I sat here after the hustle and bustle of Christmas and preparing for New Year’s gatherings with family and friends, a recurring conversation that seems to happen is this need for 2016 to “hurry up” and be over because … well, it had so many disappointing moments for so many people.

That I cannot disagree with.

However, 2016 overall was not a total loss. I would hate to think that 366 days should be totally discounted and wiped away. The positive Diva in me just can’t and won’t let that happen.

In 2017, I want to make it a point to write down those small, often insignificant moments, we forget about so that I can remember to celebrate those at the end of the year, as well.

For now, I want to share and reflect on 16 takeaways I have from this year that I will be moving forward into 2017 and beyond with.

2016 has gotten a bad wrap. However, I refuse to discount and discard 366 days I was blessed to walk this Earth. Here are 16 takeaways and reminders this year and its experiences and opportunities afforded me. And YES!!!! Naps truly are BAE 😍😍😍😍 #2016 #lifelessons #inspire #journal #me #reflection

A photo posted by Michelle D Garrett (@michelledgarrett) on Dec 29, 2016 at 6:38pm PST

This was a year of growth and clarity within my business. I re-evaluated and adjusted many personal relationships. Most importantly, I focused more on self-care and personal growth.

Here’s to all the opportunities 2016 afforded.

16 Takeaways From 2016

Here, in no particular order, are my 16 ah-ha takeaways from 2016:

1. It’s okay to step away – whether it is temporarily or permanently. It doesn’t mean you are weak or giving up, it means you value your space and mental and emotional health enough to separate yourself.
2. Naps are BAE!
3. My version of success is all that matters. Trying to live up to or create anything else is not worth it or necessary.
4. Write the vision and make it plain. It’s no secret that I am a fan of SMART Goals and action steps. Whether it is in your personal or professional life, knowing what you want and having an actionable plan to get there makes a difference.
5. It is necessary and needed for you to show up and show out in your business. You have to be present and accounted for if you want others to be vested in you and invest in you.
6. Find your tribe. Love on them. Let them love on you, too.
7. Be open to new experiences.
8. Time is valuable and precious. Savor those moments. Not everything has to be documented, photographed, Facebooked or Instagrammed.
9. Trust your instincts.
10. Delegate. Delegate. Delegate.
11. Talk less and listen more.
12. Those small steps truly do matter.
13. Get comfortable with video in your business and have ways for your community to connect with you on a platform.
14. Respond more than you react.
15. Presentation matters. It doesn’t always have to be perfect but it should reflect the image that you want to project to your community, potential clients and supporters.
16. Be true to yourself.