Reflect and Prepare

The new year is a new opportunity. Many of us use the turning of the calendar year to think about where we are and where we want growth. We set goals for how we will navigate the coming year differently.

When goals are set by mindlessly going through the motions, there is little chance of success. We may see a small amount of progress but it doesn't feel satisfying. Taking time to reflect offers us the opportunity to know ourselves better. When we know ourselves, gaining clarity of what we want and determining the goals necessary to achieve them become less burdensome.

Life is a journey and the questions we ask ourselves are the fuel needed to propel us.

Without intentional reflection we are vulnerable to forces more proactive than us and run the risk of reacting impulsively with limited information.

Asking ourselves reflective questions can jump-start our learning. When we are more aware of our interests and desires, we can create goals that align with what we want - not what we think that we are supposed to want. Below I have listed sample questions that you may want to consider asking yourself during the final six weeks of 2019. Choose to reflect on one question a week, or more if you feel moved to do so. Keeping track of what you notice through this activity will give you key insights to yourself and help you create goals best designed to support you through 2020.

1. What are the first thoughts that come to mind about 2019? Are these positive, negative, or neutral?
2. What life lesson or lessons did I learn during 2019?
3. What new thing did I learn this year?
4. How did I effect people around me in 2019?
5. What did I do for myself during this year?
6. What did I do for my community this year?
7. How did I help others during 2019?
8. How did others help me in 2019?
9.What is my favorite accomplishment from this year?
10. How often was I able to truly feel "in the moment" during 2019? What was I doing?
11. What felt difficult in the past that was easier this year?
12. Did I try and fail? Did I try and succeed?
13. What, if any, frustration came up again and again?
14. What joyful experiences did I have?
15. What tested my limits? How did I react?
16. Based on my experience of 2019, what advice would I give to someone?