Reflecting on the Past Year

As I mentioned in my recent newsletter (which you are welcome to sign up for here), many people take time in December to reflect and prepare for the coming new year. Others are crunched with year-end requests, closing the books, or preparing for the onslaught of family visits. Whether you reflect in December or some other time of the year doesn't really make a difference - what matters is that you take the time to look back and find patterns, habits, and, ideally, motivation.

In addition to the three practices I shared in the newsletter, here are five more. Choose what's right for you and give it a go. If that feels overwhelming, set a timer, and agree that you'll reflect for only 15 or 30 minutes. See where you are at that point, and if it feels good, keep going. If not, take a break and try to figure out what's not working.

What Surprised Me

I'm not talking about unexpected visitors or disappointments, but rather, what has or is changing inside you and creating patterns or habits that are new. (And are they serving you?) Think about what you cared about this year - was it more or less than you expected? What new people showed up in your life, and what did they bring? What new skills did you develop or strengthen this year that paid off in an unexpected way?

What I Want More (and Less) Of

We're not setting goals with this one, just laying the groundwork for it. What do you want to see/do/be/have more of next year? What deserves more of your time, energy, or attention? What could you release or even get rid of in the next year that would be a relief or create freedom for you? Notice how much of what you want and don't want is in your control, your area of influence, or completely out of your control. What does that tell you?

How I Showed Up

This looks at the challenges you faced well, either with grace, courage, power, boundaries, or whatever else makes you proud of yourself. Look for times you were brave, kind (to yourself and others), respectful, open, committed, or full of grit. And don't let my words distract you - focus on your values and the attributes of yourself that you want to develop.

What Support I Need Going Forward

Feeling good about next year is easier when you know you won’t carry everything alone. Who is on your team (metaphorically and actually) to help you make the most of next year? What support, structure, or boundaries would help you be more effective? When and where do you need to feel more grounded, powerful, courageous, etc., and who can help you?

Guiding Intentions

Intentions are about who or how you want to be in the world. They help you lean into more of what you want for the year (and less of what you don't) and aren't as measurable as regular goals. They are a great addition to goal-setting because they help you tackle all the immeasurable qualities you want to improve in yourself. (For example, I had an intention to increase my self-compassion in 2025. Can I say it's done? Nope. Can I say I've made progress? Absolutely.)

It's kind of fun to write intentions like newspaper headlines. Mine might be something like "2025: The Year Kate Gets Nicer To Herself" or "Self-Compassion Woven Into Everything."

My hope is that all of this reflection is pointing you in important and valuable directions for next year. They'll also help increase your self-awareness (both of your past actions and future wants) and make whatever goals and intentions you set for next year more powerful and realistic.