You’re likely getting back into the swing of routine after the hectic holiday season and making resolutions for the new year. But before you look ahead, it’s important to reflect on your past.
Self-reflection can help you better understand yourself and your surroundings. It’s important to take the time to unpack your thoughts and feelings to be able to move forward.
If you’ve never sat down for a self-reflection before, now is a great time to try it out. Grab a pen and paper (or the Notes app on your smartphone) and dig into your past year, the goals you accomplished and what you learned along the way.
A good self-reflection might help you accomplish the following:
- Measure how much you’ve grown in 12 months
- Update your goals and priorities and keep you on track for current plans
- Consider the changes in your life and how you can move forward
- Get to know yourself better
Here’s our guide for what to ask yourself during your 2019 self-reflection. We hope you’ll come out of it with a better understanding of how you want to live a good life in 2020.
What new things have you tried?
Many people like to push themselves to try new things and get out of their comfort zones. If you’ve tried new things — whether it’s a new fitness class, a different exercise routine, a new food or a different vacation destination — reflect on what it’s meant for you.
Did you have a positive or negative experience? What did you learn from it?
What did you accomplish?
Think about going beyond fitness accomplishments. It’s great to track your personal bests in the gym, but don’t be afraid to go further. Accomplishments are different for all of us.
Did you succeed in school or at work? Is there a hobby you’re passionate about that you’ve taken to the next level? Maybe you reached a milestone in a personal relationship? Whatever you consider accomplishments, list them and reflect on the influence they’ve had in your daily life.
Of your accomplishments, is there something you’re most proud of? This is the time to put modesty aside. Be proud of what you’ve done this year!
What have you failed at?
Embrace failure. This is something many of us struggle with. Failure means you’ve tried, you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone and you’ve tested your limits. You can learn a lot about yourself from your failures and mistakes. Take advantage of the learning opportunity it can provide.
How have you grown as a result of past failures? What can you change and improve going forward?
What healthy habits have you formed or maintained?
Look back on 2019 and think about the healthy habits you’ve started or the ones you’ve successfully carried over.
Are you getting a full night’s sleep? Do you exercise regularly? Are you incorporating enough fruits and vegetables in your diet?
Are you more satisfied with your life now than a year ago?
At the end of the day, everyone wants to be happy. Think about where you were in your life a year ago.
A year later, what has changed? Have the changes been for the better? Are you on track to being satisfied with your personal life, career or health?