I don’t like New Year’s resolutions, but I do like reflecting at the end of the year. And while I’ve tried some of the standard reflection questions (what worked well? what didn’t work so well?), I get pretty bored with them. So this year I came up with my own list. It’s a bit quirky, but it works for me.
New Year’s Reflection Questions:
- When did I last laugh so hard that I cried, (almost) peed my pants or hurt the muscles in my stomach? What were the circumstances and can I replicate them at least twice as often in the new year?
- What really pissed me off this year? What does that say about me and what does it mean for next year?
- Name one thing that bewildered me – pick one: money, outlook/attitude, diet, etc. – and sit down and work it out.
- Where did all my money go? Why? (Reference any kind of personal finance tool, book or blog you’d like. I use Your Money or Your Life every year)
- What ideas keep haunting me? How am I going to embrace them or let them go or work them out?
- What did I want to be as a kid? How does that translate into adulthood?
- What do I want from this next year? In my personal life; in my professional life; in my growth as a friend; in my growth as a spiritual human being…
After these questions, I clean or rearrange something in my apartment. The New Year needs to start with some new energy flow, you know?
I hope 2011 was spectacular for you or, at least, that you can peacefully put it to rest. And here’s to an even better 2012…
Photo credit: atl10trader