So, now is a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on exactly that. There is an excellent structure for this that I have been using with clients for more than twenty years. I am pretty sure I didn’t make this up, but I don’t remember where I got it. What I did not anticipate when I started doing this exercise was the long term value of having these annual records. You think you will always remember everything—but I guarantee that is not true. The world is moving much too fast and we are processing so much information that making a record of your year is a wonderful gift to give your future self.
The activity must be done in writing and the structure is simplicity itself: you merely make a list of the following things:
- What went really well—what were my wins for the year?
- What did not go so well—what mistakes did I make and what were disappointments this year?
- What/who am I grateful for?
- What do I want to pay attention to in the next year?
That’s it. I recommend you start the document and then add to it over a short period of time—say a week. You will be surprised at what you have already forgotten that will bubble up.
There are a couple of ways to get even more out of this, but these are strictly for bonus points:
- Ask your significant other, best friend, or children to do the same exercise and then set aside time to share your lists.
- Pick up the phone and call, email, or text each person on your grateful list.
Happy New Year!
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