End-of-Year Review

Reflection is an intentional stoppage, a deliberate habit that must be cultivated – John Maxwell. 

Why Reflection Matters

My friend Samson wrote this unforgettable capture about reflection a few years ago:

“Reflection is a systematic approach of reviewing the past and using the report we generate to improve the present and plan for the future. It is how we get the most out of past experiences by turning them into insight. I have found out that reflection ensures we learn something from every situation; no experience goes to waste. It is the gateway to counting our blessings.” 

Well said!

A Template For Reflection

James Clear, the best-selling author of Atomic Habits, does an annual review of the past twelve months using a simple yet powerful approach. He reflects on what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved for the coming year. I applied it to my life in 2019, and since then, I’ve benefited from this yearly activity. The three questions James Clear applies are:

1. What went well?
2. What didn’t go well?
3. What am I working towards?

Reflection, vital during moments of transition, such as at the end of a year and the beginning of a new one, is similar to an archer with a bow and arrow. The archer knows that the further back they pull on the bow, the greater the distance the arrow travels. Reflection, when applied consistently,  has the following benefits:

• Fuel growth
• Greater self-awareness
• Gain a better perspective on life and yourself
• Build better accountability
• Discover overlooked moments of gratitude

According to the Harvard Business Review, reflection “gives” the brain an opportunity to pause amidst the chaos, untangle and sort through observations and experiences, consider multiple possible interpretations, and create meaning. This meaning becomes learning, which can inform future mindsets and actions.” This makes reflection not only powerful but crucial for anyone looking to make improvements and become better. Without reflection, we are prone to be repeat offenders in thought patterns, habits, and actions that keep us hostage to a life that is beneath our potential, gifts, and opportunities. There is an excellent return on investment with reflection; the best way to reflect is to apply Clear’s approach of asking questions. 

This Month

As we prepare to sunset 2023 and sunrise into 2024, we can adopt Clear’s questions as a template for an end-of-year review and a projection for the coming one. These questions will help us pull black on the arrow of our experiences with the bow of reflection and prepare to release the arrow of our goals for the coming year. Here is our guide for this month:

• What went well? (Today’s post)

• What didn’t go well? (December 14th)

• What am I working towards? (December 21st)

Let’s begin by reflecting and celebrating with gratitude what worked well:

One of my goals for 2023 was to be consistent in everything I do and gradually build that consistency into excellence through commitment. The biggest pitfall many of us fall into is dreaming big but not attaching consistency and commitment to our dreams and goals. We end the year wondering what happened. Consistency, even in small doses, significantly impacts goal achievement. I don’t measure goal achievement solely on reaching the goal but also on progress made from where I started. 

Reflecting on 2023, I see my consistency yielding fruit in my writing, leadership, and family. What worked well for you this year? Is there something you stopped doing that was detrimental to your quality of life? Next, is there something you started doing that raised the quality of your life and those around you, no matter how small? 

I tried to be consistent this year by texting my friends weekly to check in and see how they were doing. Encouraging others takes little time or energy, but the impact is huge. 

Consistency, even in small doses, significantly impacts goal achievement.

Finally, what did you start and sustain this year? Keeping track of this shows you are making progress, growth is evident, and fuels you to press on. Did you start a new habit, and through a daily system of practice, have you sustained it through the year? Sometimes, what worked well involves something valuable you stopped doing for one reason or another but picked it back up again, and it has made a difference in your life. 

Final thought: Before thinking about the coming year, pause and celebrate what worked well this year. Write it in a journal so you can remember that although you are not where you want to be, you are not where or who you used to be. Minor improvements make a difference, and by reflecting on the progress made, you will notice that you have grown this year, and there is potential for more significant growth. 

Keep on keeping on. 

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO BLOG POST PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 27TH.