It's tempting to rush into goal setting. However, before we embark on the exhilarating process of envisioning our future, it's crucial to take a moment to look back and reflect on the journey that was 2023. This introspective pause allows us to learn from the year that's been and set ourselves up for the year to come.
This reflective exercise is a way of getting to know yourself better so that you understand what you uniquely need, how you work best, what motivates you, and then set goals you will actually achieve.
Grab your journal and your favourite drink, sit down, and ask yourself these 3 questions:
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What brought me joy this year? Reflect on the moments, activities, and relationships that ignited genuine happiness within you. Identifying these gives you insights into your passions and what truly matters in your life.
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What did I learn about myself in the last 6-12 months? Life is an ever-evolving journey, and each experience offers valuable lessons. Take stock of the personal discoveries and insights gained over the past year. Self-awareness is our greatest asset and the very first step in making positive change. Without judgment, what did you learn about yourself?
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What am I proud of about 2023? Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or small. Sometimes it's not the big goals and achievements we are most proud of, but the seemingly small daily things that add up.
Set your priorities -
If you haven't already, I encourage you to visit the blog post on discovering your priorities. Identifying the key areas of your life you want to prioritise for the next 6-12 months is essential before setting goals. That way, whether it's health, relationships, personal growth, or finances, you can set goals in alignment with the areas that truly matter to you. Remember, you can have it all, but not all at once.