Reflections on the Past Year and Goals for the New Year
As I sat down to create my mood board for the upcoming year a few days ago, I found myself reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the new year ahead. In the past, I used to set rigid New Year’s resolutions, only to feel stressed and disappointed if I didn’t achieve them all. Starting this year, I took a moment to understand where my heart and my mind is. I took a moment to celebrate the success of the past year, big and small. Because who doesn’t need a confidence boost?
Below are some things I’ve been doing to reflect on the past year and prepare myself for the fresh start ahead:
START WITH THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR.
Start with making a list with everything you’ve been grateful for in the previous year. It may a person, an event, an achievement, anything you can think of.
REFLECT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
Reflect on the highs and lows of the past year with the focus being on the growth and learning. Challenges come and will always come along the way, but the important thing is the lessons we learn along the way.
PRINT OUT YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOS.
Choose your favorite photos of the past year and print them out. You can put them in an album, turn them in a nice coffee table boon, or somewhere in your house.
FIND THE PEOPLE WHO HAD THE MOST SIGNIFICANT IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE THE PAST YEAR.
Call them, text them or just see them in person to say how much you love them!
IDENTIFY WHAT FEELS INCOMPLETE OR UNFINISHED FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
This could be a personal project, professional endeavors, relationships that need nurturing, or even self-improvement goals that haven't fully been achieved. Make a clear plan of action right away.
PRIORITIZE HAPPINESS.
Instead of setting strict resolutions, prioritize being happy. Find joy in small everyday moments, and nurturing relationships that bring you happiness.
Make a note of all the things you did last year that made you smile!
SET FITNESS GOALS.
As you’re prioritizing well-being, set realistic fitness goals that are not only achievable but also enjoyable. From sticking to a consistent workout routine to trying new activities I’m personally all in for it!
CELEBRATE SUCCESS.
Celebrate all your achievements, no matter how small. Recognize that each step forward, whether that includes completing a task on your to-do list or reaching a personal milestone, is worth acknowledging and celebrating.
SET FINANCIAL GOALS.
Set clear and achievable financial goals, track your progress regularly and make consistent efforts towards improving your financial well-being. Talk to your financial advisor to make sure you’re on track with your goals.
I hope these reflections and intentions inspire you as much as they inspire me for the year ahead. Always remember, go easy on yourself - there is no one else like you!
Feel free to share your thoughts and intentions for the new year in the comments below.
xoxo, Just Things I Love