Closing a Year
I think about starting a new year much like reaching the summit of a mountain. After three hundred plus days of climbing I finally reach a pinnacle point. I often feel reflective, taking stock of my climbing.
It is tempting to only measure distance but I know there are other measures of value. Quality of the climb, companionship along the way, and adaptability for the unknown factors that influenced the journey. A new year, a pinnacle moment on the continuum that is the journey of life.
Inherent to this reflection is a sense of closure. While some people gravitate towards creating closure, for others it is further from reach. No matter where you may fall on that spectrum, I offer you a few strategies to honor the year that has gone and give momentum to the year ahead. A little closure, a lot of reflection, and plenty of self-awareness.
For this activity I pose the value of not separating out your work from your family, from your community. Instead, take an integrative stance as you move through the exercise.
Start Inward.
When I look back at 2023 what are the feelings that flood my experiences? What are the sources of those feelings? What behaviors accompany those feelings? Which of those feelings and behaviors are serving me? How will I integrate those into my world?
Move Outward.
What impact have my feelings and behaviors had on those I love most? How have those impacts colored those relationships? What about those colors has brought us closer? What about those colors has created distance? What will I do about that?
Set Direction.
When I envision how I want to feel at the end of the year, what comes to mind? What elements of that vision are within my control to bring forward? What elements of that vision are outside of my control? How will I find ease in those truths? What support do I need?
Take Action.
How will I commit, today, to make progress towards my vision? How will I define progress? How will I leave space for the unknown?
As you move through this exercise, I hope you gain a deeper sense of self-awareness and feel the immense possibility that a new year brings.
Here’s to 2024!
