As we start another (predictably crazy) year, many of us are ploughing forward: making plans, setting new goals, making commitments … but before we look too far forward, it can be beneficial to look back. When we launched last April, we wrote about gratitude, and a couple of months ago about the importance of self-care, but have you done a life audit and acknowledged your greatest learnings and achievements from last year? Yes, some of us are itching to move on, but stick with us here: there’s a reason we should acknowledge the things that have gone well in all aspects of our lives.

Maybe you revelled in time spent with family. Maybe you learnt something new. Maybe you stuck with a new habit: daily workouts, regular visits to the dentist, less Netflix bingeing (ha, who are we kidding!). Maybe you spoke up for someone facing an injustice. Maybe you achieved a well-earned promotion. Maybe you saved some money. Maybe you did something at work you were super proud of – even if it wasn’t acknowledged, it felt great, and you knew in that moment you did good.

So here’s your task. Think back over last year – the relationships you nurtured, the time you took for yourself, the goals you pursued, the positive change you created. Ask yourself:

• What’s my favourite memory of the year?
• What made me happy?
• What made my heart hurt?
• What am I most proud of?
• What goals did I tick off my list, or prove my commitment to?
• What helped me grow and learn?
• When did I play big?

You can use these reflections to first, give yourself a pat on the back, and second, set some intentions for the year ahead. Acknowledging what you’ve achieved should give you the confidence and momentum you need to meet the next 12 months head-on.

– The Coach Place Global

Image by @Brett Jordan

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