A Fresh Look at Reflecting on Your Year
This time of year when the law firm is a little quieter, there is nothing I love more than cracking open a fresh journal, curling up on the couch near the fireplace with my dark roast black coffee, and reflecting on my year, personally and professionally.
But sometimes I need a fresh way of looking at things. Here are three new ideas for your 2023 reflection that may help you think differently about your year in review:
First: Take stock
If you can’t remember what the heck you did this past year, or only remember the big things, take some time to dig a little deeper. For me, 2023 felt like a whirlwind of activity and I did so much that I can’t possibly recall it all. Thanks to technology and our myriad data storage resources, we have to several avenues to review to help us recall what we have been up to.
Some ways to recall your year other than just taking from the top of your head:
1. Review your journal entries.
2. Scroll through your outlook or google calendar.
3. Review your sent email messages.
4. Review your bank accounts.
5. Review your google maps history.
6. Review your venmo history.
7. Your Xbox and Iphone screen time history.
8. Scroll through your social media page stories and posts.
9. Look at your smart phone pictures and picture location history.
Scary thought: If you want to know what you truly VALUE,
look at where you spend your time and money.
Second: Conduct a gentle goal assessment and celebrate your wins
Reflecting on the previous year is incomplete without assessing the goals you set for yourself. Take stock of your achievements and celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Equally important is acknowledging goals that were not met and understanding the reasons behind any setbacks. Goal assessment allows for continuous improvement and helps you align your aspirations with your evolving priorities.
Take some time to reflect on how far you’ve come by asking these questions:
What did you do this year that you only could have dreamed of doing 20 years ago?
How much more money did you make this year than your first year in practice?
What did you do this year to care for yourself and for those you love?
If you put together a photo collage of your 2023 highlights, what would be in it?
In addition, take some time to reflect on unmet goals and analyzing what set you back by asking these questions:
What distracted you from accomplishing your goals you set in January or Q1?
What unavoidable or unanticipated obstacles came up that prevented you from achieving a goal?
What goals were set that were unrealistic to accomplish in 12 months but could be achieved in a longer period of time?
Finally: Solicit Feedback From Others
While self-reflection is crucial, seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insights. Reach out to trusted friends, family, mentors, or colleagues for their perspectives on your personal and professional growth over the past year. Constructive feedback can offer a fresh viewpoint, highlighting blind spots you may have missed in your own reflection. Embrace both positive and constructive feedback as opportunities for growth and refinement.
You can cut and paste this email or text (modify it to make it your own):
Dear ______,
I am doing a 360 of my year in review and seeking feedback from close friends and family. If you could give me two observations--1) one observation of an area I have grown or improved compared to last year and 2) something you noticed that I need to pay closer attention to in my character or relationships in 2024. Be honest. And if you would rather share orally than in writing, that is fine, too!
Thank you!
Heather
I sent my email to six people, but you can do more or less.
By incorporating external perspectives, you enrich your understanding of your journey and create a more comprehensive roadmap for the future.
Change is good. And it is even better to do it together.
~Heather
