It is common and necessary to reflect on the year that is ending and set new goals for the year that is beginning. Follow the easy 9 steps listed below to have an effective year end reflection.

2020 is coming to an end! Finally?! What a year it has been! Global pandemic, uncertainties, big fluctuations on stock markets, high unemployment rates, business being forced to shut down or radically innovate in record speed, several deaths. These are only some of the main headlines during this year.

Many of us lost a lot this year: lost a job, lost a business, lost a family member and even lost the freedom to move and travel. However, we could also say that many of us also gained a lot during 2020: gained more time to reflect and to spend with family, gained insight on what is really important in life, even gained money if one was able to invest well during the markets fluctuations or on business innovations.

Before you start your 2021 goals, take 40-60 minutes to reflect on the year that is about to finish. In this exercise you can learn from what’s not working for you, what is working well, and what you can improve upon. So take a pen and paper and start this simple 9 step effective year end reflection exercise (you can do it alone, with your kids, with your partner and even at work with your team as it can give you great insights):

1- Identify focus areas for your year end reflection

Taking time to reflect is a powerful practice used by great leaders as it supports you to be at your personal best. It can reveal strengths and areas for improvement.  Layout the areas you would like to focus on during this reflection and ask some simple questions, for instance:

• Relationships
• Health
• Personal meaning/ Purpose
• Society/ Community
• Planet
• Mindset
• Creativity
• Lifelong Learning
• Expenditure habits
• Money management/ profitability
• etc

2- What didn’t go well in 2020? 

What do I want to do differently and/or improve?

3- What went well in 2020?

What shall I continue to do/be?

4- How will I apply my learnings/ insights? When?

5- What do I need to stop doing/ being in 2021?

6- What will I start doing/being in 2021?

7- Goodbye 2020, and Hello 2021!

It is tough to create new experiences with baggage from the past dragging us down. So “Let go to let come”- Otto Scharmer.

Let go of what no longer serves you (stuff, habits, feelings, etc) to make space for new experiences.

8- Gratitude

Daily gratitude feels good and remind your brain to focus on the positive experiences. Either in the morning, during dinner or before going to be; choose a time that suits you best and express gratitude for 3 things that you are grateful for and one positive experience you had in the last 24 hrs. Do it with your family and kids as well 🙂

Studies show that proactive acknowledgement increases well-being, health and happiness.

At our home, we do it during dinner (as it is a great way to engage your kids in conversation and opening up about their day) and during the evening prayer before going to bed.

9- Set Intention

To be able to design your life, you need to set an intention of what you want to be, live and show up in the world. Bare in mind that intention is different then a goal. It is not attached to an expectation or measurement. It is an aim, purpose or attitude you would be proud to commit to.

Life is beautiful and complex. It is easier to navigate this journey when you know yourself better and have the ability to direct your focus and intention.

I hope you will find good insights during this reflection process that will help you in making your 2021 goals with intention.