Reflection allows you to use your past as a lesson.

For the last few years I’ve gotten to the end of December and been full steam ahead looking at the new year, new goals, and new opportunities. It’s so exciting to look at a calendar year and have a clean slate. There have also been times in my past where I have desperately looked at January, hoping for something to change.

I have never really been one to reflect on my experiences. I don’t have regrets, because I know I can’t change the past and even if I could, it shaped me so I wouldn’t. I also have spent most of my life living in the future, always waiting for the next thing. Looking back has never appealed to me.

Since I started my business, I have dabbled in reflection strictly because the planner I use has two pages of monthly review. What was memorable, what lessons have been learned, what were priorities, how was time spent. I couldn’t bear to leave these pages blank so I initially did them half-heartedly to simply fill them in. I have begun to enjoy these two pages though because they have taught me to evaluate and learn. This year, as it comes to a close, I have been given another opportunity to practice reflection, this time on a larger scale.

I have been a Mel Robbins follower ever since I heard her first Ted talk. I love her no BS personality and how vulnerable she is with her own ups and downs. She is currently offering something to her followers called Mindset Reset, a series of short videos she is doing daily for 35 days, from the end of the month into the new year. I didn’t know what to expect from this, but like I said, I love Mel so I signed up.

As we approach January 1, the first assignment is a yearly reflection. I set goals every year, in fact every month and every week. But I realized this week I am failing to reflect on these goals. And I realized the downfalls of this failed opportunity. One, I am missing the celebration. I am missing the chance to pat myself on the back and soak in the things that went well. Two, I am missing the lesson. When I don’t reflect, I don’t learn. What went well? What can I change? I have been asking myself these questions monthly but have failed to look at the bigger picture.

These lessons are an opportunity to change for the better. To grow and improve and stop settling for what is good enough. They are a chance to evaluate my big goals to see if I am on the right path, or if my path has changed completely. Maybe the goals I set last year aren’t a priority now. Or maybe they are and I need to come up with a new game plan.

This last year I have accomplished some incredible things, some of which were not even on the radar – new job, new home. Reflecting on those achievements reminds me to stay open to abundance and new opportunity. And it has encouraged me to see new possibilities. Moving forward with purpose and pride makes the new year feel even more exciting!

Thank you, Mel, for opening my eyes to a new way. I have no doubt reflecting on the last year will make 2019 the best year yet! If you would like to join Mel Robbin’s Mindset Reset follow this link and sign up, you have nothing to lose!

Mindset Reset