“They seemed no closer to the tops of the peaks that rose before them. It was only by looking back, to the forest far below, that she knew they’d climbed.”
― Kristin Cashore
Even though I adore a good spot of navel gazing, I haven’t always been great at reflecting on how far I’ve come over the course of a year. I know it has to do with the made-up expectations I put on myself. Maybe you’re familiar with this: I love helping others celebrate what they’ve accomplished but when it comes to my own stuff, instead of stopping to give myself a pat on the back, I’m thinking Yeah, yeah but what else you got?
In the last few years, I’ve realized that taking time to consider and celebrate both the highlights and lowlights gives me a chance to really understand and integrate what I’ve learned, and make conscious choices about what I want to keep and let go of for the coming year.
Using a reflection shared by a former coach (see below), I’ve decided that 2016 was a solid 7 for me. I’m really excited about the journey I’m on and grateful for the wonderful people in my life, who help me believe in what I’m doing and keep me moving forward…and there is still so much I want to do differently.
When I really sit back and think about it, I made some pretty good choices this year. A big highlight was working with a group of awesome women to help build a Habitat for Humanity home for a single mom and her children in time for Christmas. I loved every minute, and was overwhelmed and moved by the support of my friends and family.
On the down side, I wish I had been better at prioritizing some of the things I really want to do – more (read some) yoga, more creativity, more collaboration, more daring to put myself out there…
My theme for the coming year is passion. I want to make sure that I hold it close when I’m making decisions – at home and at work. I want to have more fun and more of that feeling of joy that bubbles through me when I’m doing what I love.
In the new year, I hope you’ll take some time for yourself – to reflect on the year that has been and the year ahead – and start to consciously make changes that will lead to the work and life you really want for yourself.
Here’s to an exciting and fulfilling 2017!
Reflections on 2016
What were your highlights of 2016, both personally and professionally?
As you reflect on 2016, what are you grateful for and what are you appreciating?
If you could change one thing in 2016, what would you change and why?
Overall, how would you rate 2016 on a scale of 1 to 10?
What would have made 2016 a 10 out of 10?
Looking ahead to 2017
As you look ahead to 2017, what excites you?
What are your key goals and objectives for 2017?
What do you want to pay most attention to in 2017?
Where and how do you want to stretch yourself in 2017?
What will make 2017 a 10 out of 10 for you, both personally and professionally?
What is a possible theme for 2016 to help you keep it alive throughout the year?