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, as a rule, realizing how a lot I’ve to be glad about.
For these of you who haven’t skilled our printed Annual Reflection Journal or Reflection.app’s Annual Evaluate, I wish to share a few of the steps of our course of with the hope that they can assist inform your individual reflection observe this yr.
Getting Prepared…
Earlier than I begin, I get in the suitable way of thinking by reminding myself to:
Benefit from the course of. I discover a snug seat, put together my favourite beverage, and placed on my favourite album. The suitable setting could make an enormous distinction.
Make it my time. Some years I fly by means 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 sincere with myself, even when it isn’t simple. The deeper I dig, the extra I be taught.
Be mild. The previous is the previous. I observe and check out to not decide myself too harshly.
Our Reflection Framework
Mike and I, together with many in our neighborhood, have been utilizing this framework for our private annual reflections the previous few years. Here’s a breakdown of our strategy in 5 elements:
Half 1. Look again and report the significant moments of the yr
Look by means of your calendar, journal, and images to recall and write down your Highlights (optimistic experiences) and Lowlights (difficult experiences). In the event you haven’t already been protecting a journal this could take probably the most time, nevertheless it’s a essential step within the course of.
(Sidenote: This was the second yr that I’ve saved a constant journal inside our digital journaling software: Reflection.app. Having all my entries in a single place makes my Annual Evaluate a lot simpler. If you’re not already utilizing Reflection.app it’s one thing to contemplate for 2022!)
Half 2. Mirror 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 glad about all of the highlights you skilled.
Lowlights. On this rollercoaster of a yr, it’s doubtless that some issues did not go so properly. Mirror on what occurred so you’ll find 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 otherwise subsequent time.
If no → like within the case of the pandemic and its persevering with results, ask your self how you’ll find peace with the previous.
Half 3. Mirror on six key areas of your life
Trying again, verify in with your self on the next key dimensions: Thoughts, Physique, Soul, Work, Play, and Love.
Thoughts: When did you are feeling clear-headed, engaged, and intellectually challenged?
Physique: When did your physique really feel wholesome, nourished, and powerful?
Soul: When did you are feeling at peace and linked to the world round you?
Work: When did you are feeling all in favour of and fulfilled by your work?
Play: What have been some actions that introduced you pleasure?
Love: How did you are feeling concerning the relationships in your life this yr?
your responses above, what, if something, do you wish to change within the yr forward?
Half 4. The Hits of 2021
Wrap up with just a few enjoyable rapid-fire questions. Reply in just some phrases…
Favourite Tune(s): ___________
Favourite Guide(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 trying ahead to within the upcoming yr?
Reflection full! We hope these steps are useful in your reflection journey. 🙂
I do know it could actually look like lots. However it’s definitely worth the effort. The angle and readability that comes with reflection has the facility to alter lives.
To make issues simpler, you may full all the steps above digitally in Reflection.app’s guided Annual Evaluate (it’s free!).
And if you need to finish a extra in-depth, offline private reflection, take into account 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 & Reflection.app