Looking back over the past year, as we’re all encouraged to do every December, can mean simply reviewing what we’ve accomplished. We’d like to encourage you to look back a little more deeply by examining the thoughts, feelings and motivations surrounding what you did in 2019.
Self-reflection takes courage.
Looking back at our choices and behaviors undoubtedly will uncover some that we’re not OK with. Maybe we regretted them at the time or maybe we forged ahead without thinking. Regardless, looking back now is powerful because it gives us the distance we need so we can be objective. We’ve had time to become unemotional about a decision and to see the results of our choice. When we tap into the courage inside of each of us, we can think about whether our actions reflected the kind of character and integrity we want for ourselves. And with that same courage, we can make plans for how we will react when faced with similar situations in the future.
Self-reflection also takes time.
When did you last sit still, alone, without distracting yourself with your phone? Do you automatically wear earbuds or headphones when you walk the dog, do your workout, go for a run or take a bike ride? These are all times you could use to look back over the last year – or week or month – and reflect. Time without interruptions and serious distractions allows our minds to make connections and have those epiphanies that can change our approach to life.
Self-reflection takes honesty.
We look back only for ourselves, so there’s no reason to be defensive or to shy away from the truth. No one will even know we’re doing it, and they certainly don’t need to know what we learn about ourselves (unless we want to share). By honestly looking back, we can re-examine whether we did our best and re-evaluate what we believe we are capable of … which is probably much more than we give ourselves credit for.
After we’ve looked back, then what?
A new year can be a new beginning. That’s why we make New Year’s resolutions. Jeff Haden, contributing editor to Inc. magazine, says there’s a secret weapon to keeping any resolution. He writes, “The very first thing you should do after you make a New Year’s resolution … is to create a process that will allow you to actually achieve your goal.”
In other words, make a plan.
If your goal is to get more exercise, join a gym and schedule workout days on your calendar. If you want to go back to school, call the admissions office and find out exactly what you need to enroll. If you want to leave an abusive situation, call Sheltering Wings and let us help you make a safe exit plan. If you think you might be abusing someone you love and want to stop, call us and we will connect you with the resources you need.
We’re here 24/7 at (317) 745-1496.
Here’s another resource: The Power of Self-Reflection: 10 Questions You Should Ask Yourself
