5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before the New Year
As the year ends, you may find yourself reflecting on your experiences over the past 12 months. You may also be curious about what the next year might hold. These five questions are designed as prompts to encourage deeper self-exploration as you think about where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you’d like to go.
1. What were your favorite memories this year? Who were you with, and what were you doing?
Use this reflection to remind yourself of what truly brings you joy. If you notice that your favorite memories are with a specific person, make sure you continue to nurture that relationship in the upcoming year. If there was an activity that was particularly meaningful for you, find ways to intentionally incorporate this into your routine.
2. How did you show up for yourself this year?
Reflect on how you looked after yourself this year. Were there certain things you did to protect your well-being and prevent burnout? This could have been done by practicing self-care techniques, setting boundaries, and making choices that align with your needs. What does it mean for you that you were able to do these things? If you notice that such practices are absent, think about what you could do differently moving forward to ensure that you prioritize your mental health.
3. What are some things that you did this year that you are proud of?
With time moving so quickly, we often do not take the time to sit and acknowledge our achievements. Because of this, as the year ends, it can sometimes feel like not much has changed or that you haven’t accomplished as much as you wanted.
Take time to challenge this feeling by identifying things you did this year that you are proud of. Think about the moments that took courage, the hard work you put in, or the times you stepped out of your comfort zone. By doing this, you can head into 2025 with more confidence in your strengths and abilities.
4. What’s holding you back?
For some, this question might have an obvious answer. For others, it may take some deeper reflection. Is there something standing in the way of where you want to be? It could be a belief you hold, a feeling you’re struggling with, or even external circumstances. By recognizing what this could be, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and allow you to be more mindful of what obstacles and challenges you are facing.
5. What are your goals for the New Year?
As you look ahead, think about what you want to invite into your life in the coming year. Your goals don’t have to be grand or life-changing, they can be as simple as prioritizing rest, exploring a new hobby, or spending more quality time with loved ones. Consider setting goals that align with your values and bring you closer to the life you want to create. It’s okay to start small as even the smallest steps forward can lead to meaningful growth. Use this reflection as an opportunity to cultivate intention and embrace the possibilities of a fresh start.
Many people set resolutions for the New Year. But statistics show that only about 8% of people will follow through with them. This is because goals are often unrealistic or include external measures.
As you come up with your resolutions for 2025, focus on setting goals that are within your control. For example, instead of making your resolution to get a promotion at work, focus on ways to enhance your professional development. As a rule of thumb, when setting resolutions, it can be more meaningful to set intentions and focus on growth rather than success.
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