11 Things to Revisit at the End of the Year

While this website focuses mostly on blogging, business, and online adventures, sometimes it’s important to pause and reflect on a human level because behind every great business is a real person. So at some point before the new year rolls in, take a few moments to sit with a pen and piece of paper. (The good news is that you don’t need to share this list with anyone else–it’s strictly for your personal use and improvement.)

1 – What Would Younger You Love About Present You

Could you imagine being an adult when you were a child? Probably not, however, now that you’ve put a few years under your belt, look back to that young version of yourself and imagine what they would think about all the trials and accomplishments you’ve gone through. Take a moment and let younger you bask in the successes.

2 – Your Watch/Read List

Whether you’re a reader or a watcher, take some time at the end of the year to inventory the content you’ve consumed. Maybe take it a step further and analyze each of them. Figure out what you enjoyed, disliked, and possibly even learned from each. You may surprise yourself on how some of them might have impacted your life and outlook.

3 – Mistakes Made & Lessons Learned

Sometimes it’s difficult, and possibly even painful, to look back over our biggest flubs, but it’s necessary for growth. Remind yourself that no person is perfect (yourself included), so offer yourself the same grace you’d offer someone else while you list out the mistakes you’ve made. Once you’ve done that, consider what each of those mistakes has taught you so that you can improve going forward.

4 – Your Ideal Outfit

This one caught you off guard, didn’t it? The reason it made the list is because your ideal outfit worn throughout the year can offer a lot of insight into your psyche. It’s often said that the clothes we choose to wear will determine our mood and mindset. If you realize that your ideal outfit was a boho shirt, linen pants, and a pair of Birkenstocks then it may be a sign that you need to loosen up and relax. Conversely, if you preferred rocking a buttoned up suit and polished shoes, it may be a sign that you need a bit more structure.

5 – A Deep Dark Secret

Holding in a secret can have detrimental health effects depending on the weight of the secret you’re keeping. Sometimes the sheer act of writing it “out loud” can help to alleviate some of that stress. If you’re worried someone will come across it, don’t be afraid to (safely) burn it when you’re done.

6 – The Most Unexpected Compliment You Received

Who doesn’t love a well-timed compliment? Allow yourself to revisit it, the emotion is brought up in you, and then bask in it. Allow yourself to enjoy that bit of joy a while longer.

7 – That One Quote (That Makes Even the Worst Day Seem Better)

It’s a rare thing to get through an entire year without a single thing going wrong, and on those days it’s great to have some words of wisdom to get you through. Take a moment to reflect on the quote that caused you to pause, take a breath, and realize that you were enough and you would survive.

8 – The Best Surprise You Received

In the same vein as your unexpected compliment, take a moment to honor the best surprise. It’s something else that you can prolong the enjoyment of and the memories attached.

9 – Your Most Joyous Moment

At this point, you might be noticing a trend…and you’d be correct. The idea is to shift you into a mindset of gratitude because studies have shown that those who stay in gratitude tend to be happier overall. So take a few moments to truly relive that joyous moment and then give thanks for the experience.

10 – Your Favorite Failure

Alright, I know it seems counterintuitive to have a favorite failure, but hear me out. In all mistakes there is a lesson to be learned. Now consider which failure you experienced this year provided you with the best or most important lesson. Or, maybe your favorite failure just happens to be your most comical. Whatever the case may be, take a moment to appreciate it (and maybe pray not to repeat it).

11 – Edit that Bucket List

In case you have no idea what a bucket list is, it’s simply a list of things you wish to complete before you kick the proverbial bucket. Consider whether you were able to complete any items and then mark them off, or maybe you were inspired to add something else, or maybe you thought better of an item on the list. Whatever the case, make sure you read over your list and decide what’s most important for you because death comes at you fast(er than expected).