As 2023 draws to a close, we’re met with the opportunity to reflect on the year behind us. Taking time to consider where we’ve been can help provide more clarity on where we want to go, allowing us to lead more meaningful and fulfilled lives.
In order to really reap the rewards of reflection, it can help to have some direction. Here is a list of things you can do to make the most of your year-end journey.
Framing Your Past Year With Gratitude
A great place to begin with your year-end reflections is to count your blessings. Make a list of the things you’re grateful for – big and small, brief or ongoing. What are the things that brought you joy this year?
By focusing on the good, we can bring more positivity into our life in two ways.
First, this cultivates a positive outlook, which can literally uplift your perception of reality. Like attracts like, and by having a more optimistic world-view, you can attract more positive things in your life.
Second, having awareness and understanding of that which makes you happy, you can work more actively to cultivate them going forward.
So, what are you grateful for this year?
Practicing Self-Compassion
In reflecting on our past, it can be easy to fall into negative thought patterns. Maybe you didn’t meet all of your goals this year, but that’s ok… you’re only human! If you ask almost anyone, they probably didn’t meet all of their goals too.
Progress is non-linear, and sometimes we go backwards, or sideways, or in circles. That’s all part of the process, part of your path. Don’t beat yourself up about it – have compassion, and remind yourself of the things you are proud of. Instead of focusing on the negatives, lean into the positives: what did you achieve, how did you evolve, what strides did you make in the right direction? Celebrate your wins, no matter how small!
Studies show that positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative punishments. So rather than getting down on yourself about the things you didn’t do, or the things you did do that you’re not so proud of, shift your focus to how you can course-correct in the year to come.
Setting Smart Goals
When confronted with a new year, it can be tempting to make resolutions that are just flat out unrealistic. Being smart about the way you set your goals can make all the difference in achieving them. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Be specific! Vagueness is often the reason why goals don’t work out. In order for your goals to be attainable, they need to be rooted in the tangible. If you have a goal to take better care of your mental health, then try to visualize what that really looks like. Maybe it means being more consistent with your therapy session, or maybe it means daily meditation or journaling. Whatever feels right for you, as long as it is clear.
- Take the past year into consideration. What were your goals for 2023, and how far did you come in the process? Where did you succeed, and where could you improve? Knowing yourself and tailoring your goals is the best way towards lasting progress.
- Outline the steps. When you have big goals or behavior alterations in mind, it’s really beneficial to set a clear path that specifies the different steps you plan to take. Instead of just “be healthier,” try to outline the specifics, like “stop eating processed foods, cook more veggies, drink more water, and/or have some physical activity every day.” Each of these things will work together to give you a healthier lifestyle, body, and mind.
Letting go of the past
When entering a new year, many of us do so carrying baggage. Holding onto that which no longer serves us can not only weigh us down, but also take space from other things that could provide more value in our lives.
Letting go is hard, and sometimes even just recognizing the things we should release can be even harder. With so much going on in our lives, we rarely have time to take a step back and see the bigger picture.
No matter who you are, or what your year has looked like, we all have something to let go of. Whether it is a person who is constantly draining, a habit that is hard to kick, a negative thought pattern, or any other feature in you life, letting go of the things that don’t align with you can be incredibly impactful.
Setting Boundaries
The start of a new year is a great opportunity for a clean slate. As you continue to set intentions for the year ahead, consider what boundaries you might benefit from implementing.
Take a look at your past year, and try to pinpoint instances when you felt overextended, treated below standard, or anything of the like. It can be easy to let negative emotions fester when we don’t have proper boundaries in place. Sometimes, others push limits with full awareness, and other times people simply don’t realize they’re crossing a line. In fact, we often don’t recognize when our own lines are being crossed – we’re just met by an icky feeling that we don’t fully understand.
Try to identify those moments, and reflect on what might have caused that icky feeling. What unspoken boundaries might have been the cause of upset?
By more clearly defining your boundaries, you can better avoid having them be crossed. While it can certainly be beneficial to communicate those boundaries with others, it’s most important to lay them out for yourself above all else.
Visualizing Your Future
Visualization is one of the best tools for personal growth. Take a moment to reflect on where you are now and allow your mind to paint a vivid picture of the future you envision. In this mental landscape, explore your goals, aspirations, and the personal qualities you wish to embody. Who are the people that surround you? To what do you dedicate your energy and time? What are the values that drive your actions?
This introspective exercise goes beyond wishful thinking; it’s about aligning your present actions with the future you’re creating, every minute of every day. By imagining your ideal future, you cultivate a mindset that propels you forward.
This is a great exercise for the start of a new year as it can really help you gain a deeper sense of self-understanding and direction. Just remember to stay present and patient as well.