Preparation
Before moving into the new year, it is important to reflect on who you are now and how your experience in the last 365 days has shaped you. Reflection is a critical practice for leaders and is important to complete before we move on to the future.
Reflection requires slowing down to recognize and acknowledge your learning; celebrating what you've accomplished and created; and recognizing what you can let go of. Being intentional about the reflection process stimulates growth, fosters learning, and can renew focus and energy.
Over the next couple of weeks, find a quiet place with just a journal, a pen, and a favorite beverage to reflect on any or all of the questions below. It might also be helpful to have access to your calendar, so that you can review the major events of the year.
- What was your biggest triumph this year?
- What were the big projects you completed during the year?
- What were your favorite moments this year in work/training and outside of it?
- What are your fondest memories of last year?
- What were the defining moments of last year?
- What are you most satisfied about completing this year?
- What was your biggest disappointment this year?
- Where did you neglect to live up to the standards you set for yourself?
- What was the best decision you made this year?
- What are your greatest and most helpful lessons (from books, coaching, classes, experiences, etc.) during this year?
- What books and mentors had the greatest impact on you? Why?
- What was the most challenging thing you did this past year?
- What are you done with learning and ready to let go of?
- What is your biggest piece of "unfinished business" this year?
- What else do you need to say or do to be complete with this year?
- What did you procrastinate on and fail to get done?
- What was the biggest risk you took this year?
- How did you intentionally push outside of your comfort zone?
- What did you do for the first time this year?
- Where have you held back this last year?
- For what are you most grateful?
- Who in your life made this last year more memorable?
- In what ways did you contribute and give back to help others this year?
- Did your activities lead you closer to your friends and family?
- What will be your biggest goals as you move into next year?