Trekking to the top of a mountain is not for the weak. The journey can be long and exhaustive, amassing a number of obstacles that must be overcome in order to continue forward, But, finally reaching the pinnacle can make the hardships of the journey entirely worth the effort. Looking out at the breathtaking landscape and taking in the beautiful scenery brings about an overwhelming sense of accomplishment: you made it. From the top of your mountain, you may begin to reflect on the journey that brought you here–filled with gratitude for where you are by reflecting on where you’ve been.
Each year is like a 365-day mountain hike. We prepare for the trail every day and power through its unique challenges. At the end of the year–with determination and a great deal of effort–we make it to the top, achieving all we hoped to on the expedition. The sense of accomplishment we feel at the end of each year’s trek is made greater by reflecting on where we started.
Looking back allows you to see how far you’ve come. Even the seemingly small victories matter. Acknowledging the growth you’ve experienced can boost your confidence and drive your motivation for the upcoming year. Reflecting on where you started the year’s journey also helps you identify the challenges you’ve faced and what you did to overcome them. And that is crucial to setting and achieving goals in the next year.
This time last year, we invited you to reflect on where you were–not just in your profession, but in your life. As we close this year, we’re offering you the opportunity to reflect on where you started the year, where it took you, and where you are now. First, let’s explore 4 tips for remembering where you’ve been throughout the year.
4 Ways tips to help you remember where you’ve been
1. Celebrate all accomplishments, big and small
All accomplishments, regardless of size, propels you closer to your end goal. Celebrating the milestones you reach throughout the year keeps your starting point in focus. Next time you practice a mindful habit, finish a monthly goal, or check off a to-do, recognize it as a step towards your end goal—one step closer to the mountain peak.
2. Keep track of your goals
Keep track of your goals by setting milestone markers along the way. Try breaking your big yearly goals into smaller quarterly, monthly, or weekly goals. Take stock at regular intervals of where you are and where you need to be to achieve your big goal.
3. Make time for reflection
Self reflection is crucial to personal and professional development. Without setting aside time for reflection and introspection, you’re likely to miss your intended personal or professional goals. Further, you’re likely to overlook your smaller achievements and the progress you’re making each day. So set aside each quarter or month to reflect on where you started, where you are, and where you’d like to be.
4. Up-level your goal-achievement strategy
To stay on the path to reaching your big goal you must have a clear vision of it. The kinds of goals we set each year, month, and even day matter–as does the way we pursue them. If you want to up-level your goal achievement in the coming year, download our new, complimentary ebook, Path to Success.
Where are you?
Reflecting on where you started can help you better appreciate where you’ve end the year’s journey. Gratitude for your progress and experiences along the way grounds you and fosters a positive mindset. Self reflection can also offer insights into what works, what doesn’t, and what you can do differently—and help you set more intentional goals for the upcoming year.
We invite you to thoughtfully and intentionally meditate on the following 10 questions:
Where were you–personally and professionally–this time last year?
What areas in your life have improved since then?
What has not improved?
What goals or achievements did you hope to accomplish at the beginning of the year? Have you met these goals?
What 3 things are you most proud of this year?
What major obstacles did you face?
How did you handle these obstacles?
Are there any moments on your growth journey you’d like to revisit or change? What can you do in the coming year to better manage obstacles you encounter?
How does the person you are today measure up to the person you were this time last year? Are you still on the path to your best self?
What quantifiable, achievable goals can you set for yourself now and in the coming year to boost your growth?
Practicing regular self reflection is essential on your year-long trek to goal achievement and becoming your better self. Don’t let your accomplishments–big or small–go unappreciated. Map out where you’re going by reflecting on where you’ve been.
© 2024 The Growth Group, LLC - All rights reserved
Comments