Welcome to 2024! Congratulations, you made it through your first week.
I know there are likely a lot of distractions going on in the world right now. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos. But I want to encourage you to take this time to turn inward and reflect on you - your growth, your goals, your dreams.
So in this post, we'll work on looking back at 2023, being present in this moment, and looking forward to 2024. This reflection will help ground you and prepare you to show up as your best self this year.
Looking Back at 2023
Let's start by looking back at 2023. What was last year like for you? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
Some reflection questions on 2023:
- What was your biggest achievement last year? I want you to really celebrate this, even if it feels small. Progress is progress.
- What new skills did you gain in 2023? These could involve your job, relationships, health, personal growth, or anything else.
- How did you grow emotionally and spiritually in 2023? Are you more in touch with your feelings and values now than you used to be?
- What were your biggest obstacles last year? How did you handle adversity and challenging situations? What worked and what didn't?
- Did any new positive or negative habits form in 2023? Be honest with yourself about what changed - for better or worse.
Take some time to thoughtfully walk through 2023 month-by-month if helpful. Notice when you showed up for yourself and when you didn't. Observe the ebb and flow of life. The goal here is not to judge but gather insights.
Being Present in This Moment
Now let's shift from reflection on the past year to presence in the current moment.
Some key questions for being more present:
- How are you feeling emotionally and physically right now? Notice any tension, anxiety, joy, calmness.
- What thoughts are circulating in your mind? Are your thoughts anxious, critical, expansive?
- What do you need in this moment - what would make you feel better? Consider self-care practices like taking deep breaths, moving your body, connecting with a loved one or nature. Act on 1-2 of these needs.
- What are you grateful for today? Even on difficult days, focusing on gratitude has a soothing effect.
- What is currently weighing you down? Face any worries openly so they have less control over you.
- What is one small action you can take today from a place of self-love? Doing little acts of self-care keeps us resilient.
I know it may sound overly simple - tending to this present minute in front of you. But it is anything but. True presence requires courage, compassion, and endlessly letting go of control. Use the above reflection questions periodically as touchstones. Come back when you notice your mind spiraling elsewhere.
Looking Forward to 2024
The past and present realms covered, let's look at the year ahead of you. An open, exciting new chapter!
Some questions to ponder about 2024:
- What 1-3 big goals do you want to accomplish this year? Dream big! These could involve your career, finances, home, health/fitness, relationships, personal growth, and more.
- What life experiences do you want to have in 2024? Think through what would enrich your relationships, create memories, lead to growth.
- What daily habits or routines would you like to build? All big goals require small consistent actions. Outline the daily and weekly rituals that will mount up.
- What mindsets or beliefs would serve you well this year? Do you need more self-compassion? More courage when taking risks? More connection to your intuition? Set intentions here.
- Who do you need to spend more time with in 2024? Who inspires you and cheers you onward? Who challenges you kindly? Build your community.
- What activities fuel you and bring you joy? Make sure these are built into your weeks and months. Joy is what makes growth sustainable.
To make 2024 everything you want, continual check-ins are required. Each month, I'll share self-reflection questions and practices to keep you tuned into your goals and needs.
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In this month of January, start by choosing 1-2 actions to build habits and mindsets that will set you up for success. Small steps in a firm direction mount up faster than you'd imagine. Here's to a wonderful 2024!