2020 was a yr not like every other. Greater than something, it felt like a blur. After I suppose again to the place I used to be in January and February, it looks like a lifetime in the past. Maybe that’s why it feels much more essential to take a while to recall and mirror on how I spent my time on this uncommon yr.
For these of you who haven’t skilled our Annual Reflection Journal or Reflection.app’s Annual Evaluate, I wish to share a number of the steps of our course of with the hope that they can assist inform your individual reflection follow this yr.
First Issues First
Yearly after I sit to do my annual reflection, I attempt to make sense of the flurry of occasions by revisiting my recollections, seeing patterns, observing the place I struggled and the place I grew, and, most of the time, realizing how a lot I’ve to be thankful for.
Earlier than I begin, I get in the proper mind-set by reminding myself to:
Benefit from the course of. I discover a comfy seat, put together my favourite beverage, and placed on my favourite album. The appropriate setting could make an enormous distinction.
Make it my time. Some years I fly by way of my reflections in a single sitting, and a few years I take extra time, coming again over just a few sittings. Yearly is completely different, and so I remind myself that every reflection will be too.
Dig deep. I attempt to be trustworthy with myself, even when it isn’t straightforward. Once we mirror, the deeper we dig, the extra we study.
Be light. The previous is the previous. I observe and take a look at to not choose myself too harshly.
Our Framework for Reflection
Mike and I, together with many in our group, have been utilizing this framework for our private annual reflections for the previous few years. Here’s a breakdown of our strategy in 5 elements:
Half 1. Look again and document the significant moments of the yr
Look by way of your calendar, journal, and photographs to recall and write down your Highlights (optimistic experiences) and Lowlights (difficult experiences). When you haven’t already been holding a journal this may take probably the most time, however it’s a vital step within the course of.
(Sidenote: This was the primary yr that I’ve stored a constant journal inside Reflection.app. Having all my entries in a single place made my reflection a lot simpler this yr. I used to be capable of soar proper to Half 2 with out having so as to add all my Highlights and Lowlights. One thing to contemplate for 2021!)
Half 2. Replicate in your highlights and lowlights
Highlights. What did you do? The place did you go? Who have been you with?
Are there any patterns? Take a second and be thankful for all of the highlights you skilled.
Lowlights. On this rollercoaster of a yr, it’s doubtless that some issues did not go so properly. Replicate on what occurred so you will discover peace, develop, let go, and transfer ahead.
Select a few probably the most difficult Lowlights and ask your self: Was this inside my management?
If sure → ask your self what you’d do in a different way subsequent time.
If no → like within the case of COVID-19 and its devastating results, ask your self how you will discover peace with the previous.
Half 3. Replicate on six key areas of your life
Trying again, examine in with your self on the next key dimensions: Thoughts, Physique, Soul, Work, Play, and Love.
Thoughts: Did you’re feeling clear-headed, engaged, and intellectually challenged?
Physique: Did your physique really feel wholesome, nourished, and powerful?
Soul: Did you’re feeling at peace and related to the world round you?
Work: Did you’re feeling focused on and fulfilled by your work?
Play: Did you have interaction in actions that introduced you pleasure?
Love: How did you’re feeling concerning the relationships in your life?
your responses above, what, if something, do you wish to change within the yr forward?
Half 4. The Hits of 2020
Wrap up with just a few enjoyable rapid-fire questions. Reply in just some phrases…
Favourite Tune(s): ___________
Favourite E-book(s): ___________
Favourite Film(s) or Present(s): ___________
Favourite Meal(s): ___________
Favourite Place(s) Visited: ___________
This yr I used to be most impressed by: ___________
This previous yr in a single or two phrases: ___________
Half 5. Trying Ahead
Now take just a few moments to look forward. What are you most wanting ahead to within the upcoming yr?
Reflection full! We hope these steps are useful in your reflection journey. 🙂
I do know it could actually appear to be lots. However as we shared final week, we imagine strongly that the attitude and readability that comes with reflection has the ability to vary lives.
To make issues simpler, you’ll be able to full all the steps above digitally in Reflection.app’s guided Annual Evaluate (it’s free!).
And if you want to finish a extra in-depth, offline private reflection, contemplate supporting our work and choosing up our Annual Reflection Journal for simply $12.
Wishing you a lot moments of readability in your reflection,
Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee