Reflecting at the End of the Year

Reflection is a precursor to growth.  It's nearly impossible to move forward when you do not know where you have been.  The end of the year is a great time to pause and reflect on how you have grown and performed over the last calendar year.  Before developing new goals and resolutions for the upcoming year, pause and think about your journey. 

Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself:

1. Have I accomplished the goals that I set for this year?  If so, what worked?  If not, why not?
2. Am I pleased with where I am at the conclusion of this year?  If not, what do I wish was different?  Was it within my power to make it different?
3. What worked for me this year?
4. What did not work for me this year?
5. What were unexpected surprises that affected my performance this year, good or bad?
6. Who has supported my progress this year?
7. Who has hindered my progress this year?
8. What good habits did I develop this year?
9. What bad habits did I develop this year?
10. Do I feel successful this year?  If so, what made me successful? If not, why not?

Practicing the process of reflection will lay the foundation for your goal-setting.  Those who do not identify and recognize their mistakes are doomed to repeat them.  Similarly, if you do not know your own recipe for success, it will make it more difficult to replicate that success.  Do not skip the reflection process--it will provide you with the growth that you need to make incredible progress next year!