Doing a Year in Review
We all make New Year’s resolutions, but it’s not the end of the year that matters — it’s the beginning.
If you make a resolution on January 1st, you’re just making a resolution based on what you feel like doing at that moment.
You’re not looking back at where you’ve been and using it guide where you want to go in the future.
The only way you can do that is by reflecting on your year.
When it comes to doing a year in review, it’s important to look at more than just your work. When reflecting, consider several categories: health, wealth, relationships, creativity, self-care, and any other area you wish to invest time and energy into this year.
Goals
Did you set any goals for last year? How many did you complete? Are there any left unfinished? Are the unfinished tasks still worthy of your attention?
You are not married to your goals. Take a moment to celebrate anything you have checked off the list and another to decide whether the rest are still important to you.
Then consider any new goals you may wish to tackle in the approaching months.
Achievements
Beyond accomplishing your goals, what did you accomplish last year?
Big or small, it’s important to celebrate your successes. Take some time to really comb through each month of the year and jot down any of the pleasant surprises, outcomes, or victories you experienced. It can be as simple as finding a new recipe you love or receiving a compliment from someone you admire.
Setbacks
There are no highs without lows, but reflecting on the obstacles, roadblocks, and setbacks is essential before moving forward. What did not work out the way you had planned or hoped? What did you learn from these setbacks and unavoidable circumstances? What new wisdom have you obtained that you can utilize this year?
Reflection
The power of reflection is something that has been discussed in many different ways by many different people. From Marcus Aurelius to Seneca to Confucius, it was an important part of their lives and they all wrote about it.
Reflection is simply a matter of taking time to think about your life and your experiences. It’s not just thinking about them, but thinking deeply about them; examining them from different angles; asking yourself questions about them; and coming up with answers — or at least possible answers — that you can then explore further.
So now I’d like to ask you: How has your life changed over the past year? And where do you think it’ll take you next? I hope this article inspires you to create your own year in review this month.
**********