The end of the year is a great time to reflect on the year that’s been and set our intentions to bring a fresh, new energy to the coming year.
Take our your journal, some paper, or download the PDF worksheet below, and work your way through the following questions.
1. Reflection
Think back to this time last year. Look back over old calendars, journals or your camera roll to remind yourself what life was like then. What were you working towards, hoping for or struggling with?
Next, think about how life is different right now. Make two lists:
What are you proud of achieving this year? What’s worked well?
What are some challenges that you’ve overcome?
2. What Makes You Flourish?
Now, make another two lists:
When was your wellbeing the greatest this year? When have you felt the most relaxed, most comfortable with yourself? What were the circumstances surrounding that? Think about the people, places and events leading up to and around you feeling your best.
When were you most depleted? When did you really struggle? What were the things that drained you? What were the events leading up to and surrounding your wellbeing falling out of balance?
3. What’s Most Important?
Examine your lists, circling any emerging themes. Can you see any correlation between your wellbeing and your progress?
What have been the most important lessons and achievements this year? What is it that makes them important to you?
What are the conditions that allow you to be at your best? How can you cultivate more of these?
4. What Are You Willing To Let Go Of?
Looking back on the times that you felt depleted or challenged, think about what you’re willing to leave behind this year. What will you be happier without?
Perhaps, you’ve identified relationships that consistently leave you feeling drained, unfinished projects that are hanging over your head, or maybe there are old resentments, expectations from others or limiting beliefs that you know you’ll be better without. Use your previous lists to inform your choices.
5. What Would You Like To Experience?
Now think about the things you’d like to bring in over the next 12 months. What would you like to achieve? More specifically, how do you want to FEEL? Consider any or all of the following areas:
Health & wellness
Relationships
Growth & learning
Home environment
Finances
Career
6. Who Do You Need To BE To Make These Things A Reality?
Think about the personal qualities you will need to embody to achieve these goals. What habits, character traits or skills do you need to bring your dreams to life?
Get really clear on the qualities you need to cultivate in yourself. Then make reminding yourself of this a daily practice.
7. Save It For Later
Often we can be so focused on where we want to go, that we forget to look back and congratulate ourselves on how far we’ve come. So make sure you save this exercise to revisit in another 12 months. You’ll be amazed how far you’ve come.