New Year Review

I love a new beginning. The bigger the proverbial page turned (year, birthday, month) the more renewed I feel. I know I am not unique (there is a psychological principle named after the phenomenon which is appropriately called the Fresh Start Effect). It is great to feel you are leaving the past behind and moving on to a brighter future. However, if we don’t take a moment to reflect and be intentional about the now and how we move forward, we may find it difficult to be any different in the “new.”

I am not suggesting you wallow in guilt or shame; that doesn’t help anyone and I for one don’t believe in regrets (another post coming about that). More like a review that ends in a promotion and how you are going to perform in the new role. This year, I spent most of the first week of January on my personal review and I am loving how prepared I feel for the year and how excited I am to see how the story continues. I enjoyed it so much, I am going to do it monthly, and if I am feeling so compelled, weekly (but if I don’t, that is ok too).

In typical Ashley fashion, I read heaps about reviews and tried a myriad out. Even the sermon at church yesterday was on the new year (review, renew and risk) so I added that in too. I have come up with my top 3 activities to end with reflection and start with intention. You don’t need to spend hours on the process (time boxing it may be best to ensure you don’t drown in rumination or overthink things). Get some pen and paper (colored pens if you want to spice it up) or open a blank doc and start typing. There are no wrong or right answers, just you and your year.

1. Your 4 Ls (Liked, Learned, Lamented and Longed For). You can do these 4 Ls in general or if you want to get more specific, you can do each for the various categories in your life (career, family, community, faith, etc.). If it helps you remember, take a look at your journal and/or calendar. Hone in on what you really felt rather than what you “ought” to feel. There are of course obligations we may lament that we can’t reduce (gyno visits) but there are others that we can reduce or adjust. Use this to guide the next two activities.

2. What you are and aren’t focused on. What outcome and/or feeling are you optimizing for this year? That should guide your decisions, habits and how you spend your time. That should also determine what you are NOT focusing on this year, which can be just as important in guiding your year and attaining those outcomes.

3. Pick your nudge word. This is a great way to remind yourself of your intention for the year everyday. Add it to your phone home screen, your laptop or your mirror. When you are faced with a decision or looking for motivation, think about how it aligns with your word and act accordingly. A how to guide for picking your word here: (https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/12/29/nudge-word-of-the-year-resolutions/)

It is never too late to reflect and set intentions. Try it out for yourself and enter the next year, month or moment thankfully and intentionally.