End of Year
Reflections and Intentions
For
whatever reasons, the end of the year seems to invite some reflection about our
lives. Almost like taking inventory, we might engage in a review of where we
began, what we expected and what actually happened in terms of our goals and
aspirations.
I
like to suggest that my clients go to a spot that inspires them. One of my
clients finds that place in her home. She likes the sunroom that has light, a
comfortable chair and soft music. Another client drives to the nearby lake and
sits in her car looking out at it. With her favorite CD playing, she writes.
Another client likes to speak her reflections into her small tape recorder. And
another likes to have a conversation with a friend – their annual “check-up”.
Whatever
environment invites reflection for you, a little time set aside for reflection
and new intentions is great way to end the year.
My
colleague, Jackie, and I alternate years in creating the reflection questions.
We schedule our meeting and prepare in advance. At the best of times, we meet
over dinner in a favorite restaurant. But often we have our conversation by
phone. Either way, we are committed to the process.
First,
we look back at the hopes and aspirations of the previous year. The questions
for reflection help us develop that conversation. Some examples are listed
below.
Looking Back…
- A burning issue of last year and where that
stands today
- Something
I learned that is making a difference in my life... (or work or relationships)
- What I
am most proud of having done/said/realized....
- A
disappointment I'm ready to let go of ....
- What
I appreciate most about 2008
Looking ahead…
- What I plan to add to my life in 2009
- A change I would like to make and why
- A
challenge I face and how I plan to handle it
- A
commitment I am making to myself (or to another)
Seriously
consider setting aside some time to review the year. To get started, use some
memory joggers: look at the events and action items on your calendar. Check out
emails sent earlier in the year. What was your focus then? What was given your
greatest attention?
Most
important, find a friend, colleague, family member with whom you would like to
schedule this conversation. Together, select the questions you would like to
ponder. Reflect on them in advance. I know. You’re thinking that you don’t have
time. It may help you to realize that you don’t need a lot of time, but a
little uninterrupted time in a place without distractions will be important to
the process.
If
you are lucky, you will be able to spend time with your Review Partner. I will
need to settle for a phone call this year. But Jackie and I will make it happen
in spite of the hundreds of miles that separate us. It has become an important
and meaningful ritual.
Comments