Dear Readers,
As we approach the end of another year, it's natural to think about events that have shaped our lives over the past twelve months. This period of reflection offers an opportunity to assess our personal growth, celebrate achievements, and learn from failures, rejections and mistakes. But before we take that stroll down the memory lane - let us remember not to fall into the ‘guilt trap’ - the trap -‘I am failure’, ‘I am good for nothing’, ‘I didn’t do anything significant’, ‘I didn’t make anyone proud’. Believe me, it’ll take you down a spiral that’ll only make you feel more sorry & miserable about yourself. You don’t want to go there!
So instead, let’s go grab the warm cosy blanket, and a cup of hot chocolate - let’s be brave and go down the memory lane that’ll help you to close one chapter of your life with gratitude and open another with purpose and optimism. Here's a simple guide to year end reflection.
Part 1: The Rear-View Mirror
First things first, let's take a peek in the rearview mirror. Don't worry, objects in the mirror are probably less scary than they appear!
Highlights: Jot down 3-5 happy moments from the past year. Maybe you learned to drive, or baked a bread from scratch, or, finally finished that one book you’ve been wanting to read forever or mastered the art of meditation.
Growth: Think about how you've grown as a person. Did you become more patient (long grocery store lines)? More adaptable (work-from-home, work from office or hybrid)? Empathetic (responded to family dramas rather than react)? Humble (figured ways to give back to the less fortunate)?
Twists: What surprised you this year? Sometimes the unexpected turns lead to the best stories. (Changed professional domains from HR to Marketing? Or made a lifelong commitment to someone special? Or took your family on their first foreign trip?)
Bloopers: We all have them! What didn't go as planned? Remember, mistakes are just life's way of saying, "Hey, try something else instead!" (Tried going to the gym 5 days a week but quit after 2 months? Gave a personal, critical feedback to a peer/colleague rather than being constructive?)
Part 2: The Road Ahead
Now that we've taken stock of where we've been, let's look at where we're going. No GPS required!
Dream Big, Start Small: What's one thing you'd love to accomplish this next year? Break it down into tiny goals. Want to run a marathon? Start with a 5-minute jog! Want to go for that dream European holiday? Try opening a recurring deposit with a small amount that’ll get deducted month-on-month from your salary account.
The Learning: Pick a new skill you'd like to learn. Always wanted to speak Spanish? Start with "Hola" and work your way up to "Dónde está el teatro?"
Happiness Project: Think about what brought you joy this past year. How can you invite more of that into the new year? (Having friends/family over on weekends for a potluck? Going on a road trip?)
Letting Go: Is there something you need to leave behind? Maybe it's a bad habit, a limiting belief, or that junk drawer that's been judging you all year. Let go of all those times you felt - hopeless, conflicted, judged, misrepresented, or not heard. Draw your learnings from them and stand tall!
The Gratitude Attitude: Set an intention to notice the good stuff. Maybe keep a gratitude journal or just pause each day to think, "Well, that was nice!"," That made me feel good!
Part 3: Categorise Your Goals
Consider setting goals in various life domains, this will help you track it better:
Career and Professional Development: Target specific skills, certifications, or positions you want to achieve. Examples: "Earn project management certification" or "Lead a team of 5+ people."
Health and Wellness: Focus on measurable physical and mental health goals. Examples "Exercise 3 times weekly" or "Meditate for 10 minutes daily."
Relationships and Social Connections: Plan regular meaningful interactions with important people in your life. Examples: "Monthly family dinners" or "Weekly catch-ups with close friends."
Personal Growth and Education: Choose skills or knowledge areas to develop. Examples: "Learn Spanish to conversation level" or "Read 12 books this year."
Financial Stability: Set clear money management targets. Examples: "Save 20% monthly income" or "Create an emergency fund."
Hobbies and Leisure: Make time for activities you enjoy. Examples: "Join a photography club" or "Take up gardening."
Part 4: Cultivate Habits
Consider which habits might support your goals:
What daily or weekly practices would contribute to your success?
- Identify small, repeatable actions that support your goals
- Break down big goals into daily tasks
- Focus on consistency over perfection
How can you integrate these habits into your existing routine?
- Attach new habits to existing routines
- Start small and build gradually
- Choose specific times for each habit
What support system would you need to facilitate these new habits? - Remember, small, consistent actions often lead to significant long-term results.
- Use apps or tools for tracking
- Find accountability partners
- Create an environment that supports your goals
- Join communities with similar interests
The process of reflection and goal setting is a powerful tool for personal development. As you embark on this journey of self-reflection and goal setting, maintain a balance between ambition and realism. Celebrate your progress, learn from setbacks, and remain open to the possibilities that each new day brings.
