Looking Back at Your Year of Progress: Practicing Positive Reflection
Looking Back at Your Year of Progress: Practicing Positive Reflection
December 5, 2022
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As the year draws to a close, it is important that we look back and reflect on the progress we have made.
So long as you are making continual steps in a positive, healthy direction, you are making progress.
A big part of making progress, whether it be in terms of mental health, family life, education, or any other area of life, is being open about your stressors and addressing them. For some people this means seeing a therapist, for others it means spending more time with family, and for others still, it means focusing on healthy nutrition and exercise.
Whatever your goals are, it is important to take some time at the end of the year to reflect on your progress and look ahead to next year.
This post will examine self-reflection, why it is important, and some ways you can use self-reflection to help you achieve your goals.
What is Self-Reflection?
Self-reflection is all about taking time to evaluate your goals and the progress you have made towards reaching them.
But beyond that, self-reflection is about giving thought to your actions and the intent behind them. It is discovering what motivates you day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month.
Self-reflection helps you discover the 'why' behind your actions, how you are making progress towards a larger goal, and where you are still coming up short.
Self-reflection is a skill all its own, and those who are particularly skilled at it will find areas where they have succeeded as well as areas where they can improve.
Set aside some time near the end of the year to self-reflect on your goals, the progress you have made, and areas where you can improve.
It may help you to jot down some ideas on a quick piece of paper.
Try this:
Identify one large goal you had for the year. Write it on the top of a piece of paper and underline it.
Below, make two columns. Label them "successes" and "shortcomings."
In each respective column come up with a few examples for each. Be as detailed or as brief as you choose.
Next, near the middle of the page, identify a goal for next year based on this year's goal. It can be the same goal or a slightly more advanced goal. Try and make sure it is attainable, healthy, and worthwhile.
Finally, come up with a few ideas to help you get the ball rolling towards achieving this goal in the next year.
Repeat this process for as many goals as you have.
Self-Reflection in Action
Now that you have a better understanding of the power of self-reflection, here are five quick tips for using it to help achieve your goals.
- Ask yourself questions that prompt self-reflection
- Journal regularly throughout the year
- Know the difference between self-reflection and rumination (constructive thoughts vs. destructive thoughts)
- Set aside regular time for self-reflection
- Be honest about your needs and seek help when you need it
Make Progress Towards Your Goals with Child Focus
Many of us want to improve our lives. That may mean spending more time with family, focusing on nutrition and exercise, or improving mental health.
To make progress towards our goals, we all need a healthy foundation. For many, that means investing in adult mental health services or family mental health support services.
Talking with a trained therapist is a great first step toward helping us identify and make progress towards larger life goals.
If you need adult mental health services or family mental health support services in Hamilton Country, reach out to Child Focus.
At Child Focus, we help children, adults, and families of all kinds make progress toward their goals to find fulfillment in their lives.
Are you satisfied with the difference Child Focus has made in your life? Leave us a review here.