Isn’t it always said, “look forward, not back”? So why should reflecting on 2021 make sense now?
Of course, it makes sense! To kick off a new adventure, a new challenge, or a new year with full energy, we use the hindsight of the past to gain clarity, learn, and then look forward with courage, confidence, and fresh ideas.
And where do we start? Naturally, with gratitude.
“You cannot be angry or worried and grateful at the same time. Gratitude is unique in that it overwhelms these negative emotions.”
(Tony Robbins, quoted by Dominik Spenst, urbestself)
And here’s the first task for you:
Place a small bowl filled with chocolate candies, nuts, marbles, or anything you can count, next to an empty bowl. As you reflect and feel grateful for something, transfer one item from the first bowl to the second. If you don’t have counting items handy, simply make a tally or draw hearts or stars on a sheet of paper—each time you feel grateful (or reflect on something you’re thankful for).
Let’s go! (The tools described are available in the attached document.)
Step 1: The wheel of life (part 1)r 1: Das Lebensrad (Teil 1)
Take 15 minutes. Look back at your 2021 and try to intuitively rate each area that feels relevant to you. How “satisfied” were (or are) you with each area? Consider each topic individually and let your gut feeling guide you. Rate only the topics that matter to you.
Step 2: Your year in detail
Divide your year into quarters, or, if you want to get really specific, look at each month individually. Here are a few reflection questions to help you be as concrete as possible. Make notes, use colors, or sticky notes—whatever works for you.
Concrete questions:
What was noteworthy?
Where did I get my energy?
What drained me?
What did I ignore?
Which opportunities did I seize, and which did I miss or leave behind?
Which of my strengths was I able to use well, and which wasn’t?
What dream did I fulfill?
Which projects did I put into action, and which didn’t I?
General questions:
What headline would I give each quarter?
What feelings do I associate with it?
What do I want to keep?
What do I want to let go of?
What am I grateful for?
What did I learn this year (about myself)?
To conclude: Your year in a sentence (Yes, this is challenging, but the clearer and more focused you are, the more insightful the reflection will be, and the more it will help you for the coming year.)
By now, you should check your bowls... Did you remember to move items to the second bowl every time you felt grateful for something? If not: catch up!
Step 3 in our reflection: The wheel of life (Part 2)... You’re almost there!
Now, after a detailed reflection on your entire year, take another 10 minutes. Give another rating to the areas that are relevant to you. Consider each topic again, but this time include the insights from the last exercise and the concrete questions. Has anything changed in your rating? Or does it stay the same? Take it as it comes, don’t overthink it. You’ve done your job: looked closely, reflected, and now this is the result. Your year 2021.
And how does your bowl look? Were you able to add a few more nuts? Take a look... Whether it’s full or just has a few nuts inside, you’ve mindfully reflected on and felt gratitude for those moments – and that’s what counts. How nice would it be to count these nuts every day, making visible how many wonderful and beautiful moments we have... maybe a goal for the coming year? 🙂
We’ve come to the end of the exercise...
You’ve taken the time to reflect, be grateful for what was, and take a closer look to learn and perhaps make peace with things, situations, or people...
What have you learned about yourself? And what do you want to do with that? Write down your insights and keep them safe until Vision Board for 2022 (January 13, 7–9 pm – Info on Instagram and LinkedIn) or whenever you plan your new year... they’ll help you then!
Thank you for your trust, and I wish you a wonderful time!
