We’re just about ready to wrap up 2021! But before we go into full planning mode for the year ahead, let’s take some time to reflect on the year that was. I’ve been practicing this for a few years already, and I’d love to share the things that I look into to bring perspective to my life.
In this post:
Why is Self-Reflection Important?
Without self-reflection, we tend to simply rush through life without thinking, jumping from one activity to the next, without pausing to assess whether or not things are going well. We don’t take time to evaluate and figure out what’s working and what isn’t. As a result, we frequently find ourselves stuck.
I find that a regular self-reflection helps me learn a little bit more about myself, who I am, what my values are, and why I think, feel, and act the way I do. I am doing this exercise semi-annually.
A quick note…
On my planner, my life goals are categorized according to a specific list that I have tweaked over the years. I find it easier to complete my self-evaluation using the same categories as well:
- Firsts (new experiences)
- Family and friends
- Fitness
- Faith and spirituality
- Finances
- Fun and recreation
- Giving and contribution
- Physical environment
- Career and personal development
You may or may not follow the categories I use. Just sharing it here.
Okay. So let’s jump into it!
Grab a pen and paper (or your digital planner), and take a few minutes of peace and quiet away from life’s distractions. You might also need your planner and calendar to refresh your memory.
Here are the 3 things to do to close the door of 2021 and start 2022 with a clean slate:
1. Celebrate WINS
What went well? What were the good things that got done? What were the things that you have achieved this year?
Through the years, I’ve realized that more often than not, human beings are self-critical and tend to focus on shortcomings and failures and easily dismiss or downplay wins. I’m pretty sure it’s not just me, but when I receive a test result of say, 47 out of 50, the first thing I check is where I went wrong. Even if that’s 99 out of 100, I still look for that one single mistake. Yikes!
Let’s change that. Let’s start this self-reflection by listing all our wins for the year.
Skim through your journal and planner and even your social media accounts to jog your memory. I’m pretty sure you have many wins you might have brushed off.
Celebrating your wins is important because it helps build your confidence, optimism, and gratitude. It also sets you up with motivation for moving towards your next goal with enthusiasm.
When you brush off your wins and fail to take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve done, you are actually teaching yourself that achieving your goals isn’t all that important.
2. Accept CHANGES
What changed in your routines, finances, relationships, free time? Did you have more time to pursue passion projects? Did you have more time to spend with your family and friends? Did you discover a new hobby?
There are a lot of changes, both positive and negative, that have happened over the year. It’s good to acknowledge and accept the new reality. What changed in your circumstances this 2021?
3. Be accountable for your SHORTCOMINGS
What could have been done better?
If you’re like me who has a tendency to be overly self-critical when it comes to personal shortcomings, here’s a litte reminder for you: There’s a difference between self-criticism and self-accountability.
Self-criticism is the psychological habit that causes one to attribute mistakes to permanent personality or character flaws.
Example: “I didn’t meet my savings goal this year. It’s all my fault. I should’ve pushed myself harder. I’m a failure.”
Self-accountability, on the other hand, entails accepting responsibility for your actions by taking an objective look at specific elements that went wrong.
Example: “ I didn’t meet my savings goal this year. I did not stick to my budget and spent too much on online shopping, but I will adjust my financial plan and brainstorm ways to improve starting next month.”
Self-accountability is healthier than self-criticism. Accountability allows you the space to separate who you are from what you did. This practice helps you identify and acknowledge your obligations, in order to establish expectations, make amends, and draft more effective action plans for the upcoming year.
Wow, great! thank you lovetteejam for this year end self-reflection guides truly it helps me direct on things that I be grateful in 2022(review) , as well as ensuring my failures and success be sincerely recognized , and those stuff seemingly need for improvement, as iam looking forward from here to make 2023 comes a better year.hope, hope. I have so much failures hmmm. Maybe not! There those things that beyond my control 😊
Hello, Sir!
Thank you for sharing. I agree, some things we think are “failures” are not really failures. We just tend to be our harshest critics. I’m pretty sure you had so many WINS this year that you may have not given yourself credit for. 😊
Wishing you all the best in the coming year. Happy Holidays!