Look Back to Move Forward – Questions for Reflection

In this ‘always-on’ culture, it’s easier than ever to race through our weeks and months without ever taking time to just stop, breathe and think – really think – about how we’re feeling…

But the good news is that it’s never too late to stop and do some self-reflection. In fact, doing so comes with massive benefits. True, the future is bursting with opportunities and possibilities, but research shows that those who take the time to reflect on their life actually strengthen their emotional intelligence. This, in turn, makes it easier to cope with any new life problems that may come their way.

The end of a year and the start of a new one is the perfect time to reflect and think deeply about the lessons that you want to take with you into 2020 and where you hope to be heading. So take a short break from your busy life to focus on your strengths, weaknesses and lessons learned from last year. These insights will help power your future happiness and success.

But where do you start?

Tips for Self-Reflection

If you’re wondering where to begin with self-reflection, we’ve put together five thought-provoking questions to help get you started. As you go through each of these, grab a piece of paper, your phone or your journal and make some notes on each. Let’s book back before we look forward!

Question # 1: How did your life stay the same or change in 2019?

Was it an eventful year? If so, why? How did the choices you made lead to certain changes – for good or bad? Would you make those same decisions this year?

Question #2: What did you accomplish in 2019?

Don’t forget to celebrate your wins! Look back on last year and notice any accomplishments you’ve made. Think: What’s something huge that you worked towards and succeeded in? Is there anything small that you learnt? Or, what did you master that you didn’t plan to do?

Question #3: What negative habits would you like to break in 2020?

We all have those pesky habits that we’d love to overcome. What are yours? Are you struggling with negative thoughts? Do you overindulge in junk food too often? What steps can you take to improve and change these bad habits into good ones?

Question #4: Who needs to be acknowledged in your life?

Is there anyone that you need to express gratitude to for things they did for you in 2019? Despite the challenges we face, there is always someone or something that we can find to be thankful for. What blessings did 2019 bring? How can you stay grateful in 2020?

Question #5: How can you challenge yourself to grow in 2020?

As nerve-wracking and as difficult stepping outside of your comfort zone can feel, it provides the chance to grow and experience new opportunities. But remember, it’s not about whether you succeed or not, it’s about how you grow as a person by trying new things and learning to love yourself and your life.

And whatever your goals may be for 2020, make them S.M.A.R.T. They should be:

Specific – What exactly is it that you’d like to achieve?
Measurable – How will you know if you’ve made it?
Achievable – Can you reach your goals?
Realistic – Are you overestimating what is possible this year?
Time-bound – Set a deadline to work towards.

Talking it out can help

Would you like some help with self-reflection on your past year? The goal of our psychologists at Positive Mind Works is to work with you and provide assistance in helping you to identify and rectify areas of your life that may be limiting your full potential.

Why not book an initial 20-minute appointment to test us out and see if we can help?