“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?
And I’m not just talking politics.
I’m talking about my life, and yours.
What were your personal highlights? What were your challenges?
As we turn to 2017, so many of us look ahead without looking back.
However, taking some time to process the past year will help you discover whether your goals for 2017 are aligned with your priorities based on how you actually lived in 2016.
What if you discover they are not aligned? Fear not. Becoming aware of any gaps between where you are and where you want to be will help you set realistic and achievable goals. The process will also give you a chance to adjust your priorities so they are more aligned with what you really want.
Most importantly, you’ll confront the challenges of the past year so they don’t follow you into the future.
So as you get ready to begin the countdown to 2017, here are six things you can do to help you process 2016:
1. Review your journal
If you keep a journal, this is where the benefits of doing so really kick in. As you read your entries, pay particular attention to things that caused you the most anxiety. Were your worries anxieties well founded or were your fears mostly in your head? What were the major themes of your year based on the entries?
If you don’t journal, don’t worry, the next steps are just as beneficial.
2. Review your calendar
As you review your 2016 calendar, what were your most prominent appointments? Where did you spend the majority of your time? Where did you spend the least time? How did your time priorities change as the year progressed? Why?
3. Review your spending
Print or download your bank statements for the year. What was your single biggest expense in 2016? What was the most recurring expense other than mortgage, food, or gas?
4. Review your media habits
What movies or TV shows did you watch? What books did you read? What blogs did you follow? Which social media platform do you use the most? Which ones were the most impactful? Which were the least?
5. Review your relationships
Who were the three to five people you spent the most time with this year? How much time did you spend with the most important people in your life? Which relationship was the most challenging to manage?
6. Review your achievements and setbacks
What was the most significant career or personal goal achieved this year? How did you celebrate this achievement? How did others respond to your success?
What were your biggest career or personal setbacks? What decision do you regret most? What did you do to help you get through these difficult moments? How did others support you in your time of need?
Complete the past
This is by no means an exhaustive list. But hopefully it will begin the important process of completing the past so you can step into 2017 with as little resistance as possible.
Where are you spending your time? Where are you spending your money? Who are you spending them with?
As 2016 fades out of view, block off an hour today to do your personal year in review.
May you have gratitude in your heart for the ways 2016 helped you grow.
May you enter 2017 filled with hope.
Thank you, Cylon,
I won’t rattle on too much but I have to confess that I disappoint myself.
But, I don’t want to wallow in case I enjoy that too much.
I know, more or less, my weaknesses and will chip away at them as best I can.
In the meantime, allow me to wish you and yours a very happy and peaceful New Year.
Hi Zara, I’m sure your strengths and victories vastly outnumber your weaknesses 🙂 Thank you for the wishes and a happy and fulfilling 2017 to you and yours as well!
Great write up Cylon, I love every point you set up in this post, and will be putting all into consideration toward the new year. Thank’s so much!
You’re very welcome Cephas. May you have all success and a wonderful New Year!
Your wisdom and advise is a gift. I appreciate you.
Thank you Eva…I appreciate you as well 🙂