Your Reflections

December is usually when we find ourselves looking back over the past year. And we’d like to encourage you to do the same.

Reflecting on your successes, challenges, and learnings,
can provide you with incredible guidance
as you look forward to the new year.

We’ve found that writing a letter to yourself can be a great way to reflect on the various experiences you’ve had. If you want to get a longer perspective—such as 3, 5, or 10 years—consider saving your letters in the same place each year and then looking over them from time to time.

As you write your letter, reflect on some or all of the following questions:

• What are you proud of accomplishing (no matter how big or small)? For example:
  • Did you deepen the connection with yourself or others?
  • Did you survive a difficult year?
  • Did you learn a skill or try something new?
• What had you hoped to accomplish that you haven’t yet?
• What was your biggest challenge?
• What were your greatest learnings?
• When did you find success in slowing things down? Speeding things up?
• How have you listened to your instincts?
• What role did work play in your life? 
• Did you live according to your top life priorities (if you haven’t identified your priorities, please email heather@carpentersmith.com for a great exercise)?

As you’re reflecting on these questions, if you find that there are other areas you want to address, don’t wait! Life goes fast and, much like hiking, if you get off course even 5 degrees, you can wind up far from your goal in just a few miles.

If you’re having trouble remembering all that you did last year, you may find it helpful to use your calendar/planner/credit card statements to get a better overview of how you spent your time.

Take some time to look back and think about how you’ve spent this past year. This will help you as you think about the various ways you want to spend your moments in the upcoming year.

Feel free to share your reflections with us!