As the year comes to a close, I find myself caught between two conflicting emotions—enthusiasm and anxiety. I’m excited to set new goals, build fresh routines, and embrace the possibilities of a brand-new year. But at the same time, I can’t help but reflect: What did I actually accomplish this year? Did I achieve everything I set out to?
Prioritizing our ambitions for the next year can feel overwhelming. The more we add to our to-do list, the heavier the pressure becomes. And suddenly, I wonder—have I burdened myself with too many expectations? Have I set myself up for failure?
But here’s the twist: This year, one of my biggest goals was to fail. Yes, to fail—again and again. Because failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone to growth. And with that in mind, even if I didn’t achieve everything I planned, I know I still accomplished something important. I achieved my goal of failing—and that, in itself, is a win.
We often feel overwhelmed and anxious thinking about what to do next and how to make the most of the year ahead. But before diving into plans for the future, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the past year.
Through these reflections, I had one of these realizations—I need to practice failure. I noticed that I had been avoiding opportunities, not because I wasn’t capable, but because I was afraid of failing. I had been avoiding opportunities out of fear of failing, and in doing so, I was holding myself back. Yes, failure is that important.
Looking back on the year has shown me where I need to grow and what truly matters to me—not what society expects. Time moves fast, and if I’m not mindful, I could easily find myself chasing things that don’t align with my values. So, as I step into the new year, I want to do it with intention, choosing a path that feels right for me, not just one that looks good on the outside. Here are a few things I do in my reflection and I hope it helps you too.
- Acknowledge Your Successes: Pause to recognize and rejoice in your accomplishments, no matter their size. Starting on this note will help boost your self-esteem and keep you going in deeper reflection.
- Celebrate Highlights: Identify and revel in the special moments and achievements that made this year memorable for you.
- Recall Your Journey: Take a moment to revisit the experiences, obstacles, and lessons from the past year. This reflection allows you to appreciate your personal growth.
- Show Appreciation: Extend gratitude to those who have played a role in your journey—be it friends, family, or colleagues. Expressing thanks adds a positive touch to your year-end contemplation.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst the hustle of year-end tasks, allocate time for self-care. It could be as simple as enjoying a peaceful evening or indulging in a treat.
- Organize Your Space: Undertake a thorough cleanup at home to infuse freshness and order. This sets the stage for a renewed beginning.
- Reconnect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends and family you may have lost touch with. Re-establishing connections strengthens relationships and brings joy.
- Initiate Your Fitness Routine: Consider integrating a workout routine into your schedule. It’s a proactive step towards a healthier and more energetic start to the new year.
- Evaluate Your Finances: Scrutinise your budget and expenses from the past year. This analysis aids in making informed financial decisions for the future.
- Envision Your Ideal Life: Create your dream life by dedicating time to envision your aspirations and goals, and strategically plan your daily routines, including meal preparation, laundry, study time, and grocery shopping, using templates for daily, weekly, and yearly planning.
- Update Your Resume: Whether actively job-seeking or not, maintaining an updated resume is a prudent practice. It readies you for unforeseen opportunities.
- Establish Achievable Goals: Formulate a precise action plan for the goals you wish to pursue in the upcoming year. This provides clarity and motivation.
Remember, this is your life—only you have the power to define what truly matters. Prioritize your happiness and build a life that feels safe, fulfilling, and authentically yours.
As we begin this new year, here’s a soul-stirring poem by Julia Fehrenbacher to reflect upon. You can read the full poem here.
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