At this time of the year, it's natural to step back and reflect. As you recount the old year and begin counting down to the new year, questions like this naturally arise:
How are things different than they were a year ago?
Am I becoming more of who I want to be?
Is there an area of my life that I am still struggling with?
You may be thinking through some of these questions today.
And it's so easy when your self-reflecting to go negative – especially when the year hasn't gone as planned.
Thoughts like this may subtly creep into your mind:
“I can’t believe I got passed over for that promotion.”
“I’m never going to recover from this.”
“How have I gone another year and I am still struggling with this destructive habit?”
“Why did I have to be the one who had to go through that circumstance?”
And negativity like this creates stress, frustration, and even paralysis of analysis in some cases.
But what if you were to self-reflect more positively? What if you saw the entire year as a growth opportunity – no matter the circumstances?
Why?
Because that's where true growth can occur.
Dr. Henry Cloud (in Boundaries for Leaders) describes how brain science is showing how "...getting people to look at their own patterns, to observe them, and come up with insights (is) crucial to change and improvement."
And I believe that you want to grow.
You want to become the best version of yourself possible. Truly, no one wants to stay stuck!
But when you reflect, Stephen Covey says, "Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There's no greater investment."
These are wise words about how we grow. It takes patience and gentleness – a kind spirit and a willingness to learn. And you are worth investing in.
Whether or not you can look back on the last 12 months with joy or frustration, one thing is sure – there's a LOT to learn from it.
And as you stop to reflect, you can begin that learning process.
But as you reflect, remember to be gentle with yourself.
Be patient as you grow. Change is a process and not an event. And as this process unfolds, you are attaining new levels of self-awareness and, ultimately, growth.
You are worth the investment – so keep reflecting and keep growing.
Later this month, I will be sending you a free resource to do some in-depth self-reflection on 2022 However, if you want to get a jumpstart and begin the process of self-reflection today, here are 10 questions to help you get started (courtesy of PositivePsychology.com)
Am I using my time wisely?
Am I taking anything for granted?
Am I employing a healthy perspective?
Am I living true to myself?
Am I waking up in the morning ready to take on the day?
Am I thinking negative thoughts before I fall asleep?
Am I putting enough effort into my relationships?
Am I taking care of myself physically?
Am I letting matters that are out of my control stress me out?
Am I achieving the goals that I’ve set for myself?
