it's time to reflect and renew

Since 2005, I have spent 30 minutes every New Year's Eve writing down three things on a blank piece of paper:

1. What am I grateful for?

2. What am I willing to let go of?

3. And what do I want to bring into my life in the next year?

My intention was to be more mindful of the many blessings in my life and to truly reflect on what I had achieved and not beat myself up.  Yet, there have been other unexpected benefits:

-I actually love sitting down and writing them (preferably with my head slightly buzzy from a couple of glasses of pink champagne).

-It is joyful to read them back years later as a reminder of what has been (from my daughter starting school, a new pet entering our lives right through to releasing a toxic employee).

-I feel more at peace because I am willing to work on releasing what's making me unhappy.

-It gets me clear and excited about the year ahead.

Traditionally, NYE is about writing out our goals and resolutions from the perspective that  we're not good enough.  But it's never a good idea to make plans when we feel small and imperfect. 

Instead, taking a bigger, grateful perspective of what transpired throughout the year (with no judgement) helps you to focus on what you want to amplify and release. 

One of the most important leadership practices is to make time for self-reflection and to celebrate what we have achieved. I find my past lists cover everything from achieving exercise goals, as well as work, health, financial, family and relationship goals.

2020 has been a big year with so many gifts.  It can be so easy to get caught up in the negativity of what's happened - losing the whole point of a year that has made us look inward.  All we have to do is look - and be thankful. 

Try it.  It might change your life - like it has for me.