REFLECT, CELEBRATE AND EMBRACE THE YEAR GONE BY
As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time to reflect on the year gone by - and boy - didn't this year go by fast?
With that in mind, it’s worth considering some ways to wrap up the year on a high note, and achieve a sense of closure before heading into a new year.
Whether it has been a year filled with significant events or more of a quiet time of learning and growth, taking a moment to reflect, celebrate and embrace your ups and downs, practising greater self-compassion, and how reflection on our unique journeys helps with greater self-assurance and fulfilment. Let’s do this!
The Year Gone By
Firstly congrats to you if you achieved everything you set out to achieve this year. That's amazing! So please take some time to reflect on your achievements and celebrate yourself. High fives all around.
However, if you didn't manage to achieve it all, it can be natural to carry a sense of disappointment.
In these moments of reflection, it can be easy to fall into a pit of self-doubt and harsh self-judgement. We can easily go down the route of questioning our decisions, shrink when we see others celebrating their wins, and wondering if we could have done things differently or if we're simply not enough. However please let me gently remind you, without any hint of sugarcoating, that you are enough. You've shown up, you've tried your best, and that in itself is an achievement worth celebrating.
For me, When I think back on the past twelve months, it's undeniable that it has been a year of real change for me. From my new environment to my attitude and approach, everything feels a little different.
Moving to this new environment has truly opened my eyes to a fresh perspective on life. Asia, with its non-stop energy and seemingly endless opportunities, and every moment feels like a chance to seize new experiences and make new connections.
On the other hand, the UK has taught me a valuable lesson in patience. It takes time to adjust to a new place, to establish roots, and to build a sense of belonging. Unlike the fast pace of Asia, my life in the UK (so far) is slower paced, which has forced me to embrace the unfolding of life at its own rhythm.
I've had a year of 2 halves with the first half being incredibly busy and productive. The second, not as much.
I felt pretty chuffed with myself that I managed to achieve everything I set out to do by June, which left me feeling elated and accomplished. But looking back I admit I was working at max capacity that felt hectic. I’m someone who can get easily caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Singapore and was always looking for the next opportunity and probably saying “yes” to too many things. It was very much ‘go go go’ and I found myself looking for ways to fill my diary whether it be a work meeting or drinks with friends. It was pretty exhausting!
So if you recognise you operate in a similar manner, it’s even more important to take a step back and reflect on how you're feeling about certain decisions. Reflecting on the purpose behind each decision and activity allows you to be mindful how you devote your time. Sometimes there’s so much power behind saying “no” and it can be a tough lesson (especially for us entrepreneurs!) though it does get easier with more experience with tuning into your intuition.
Once I felt settled in the UK in the second half of the year, I made a conscious decision to approach my daily life with more intention; to consciously slow it down and be more present for my family during our relocation. I was preparing myself to take on any roller coaster of emotions associated with a move such as this. (Please read more about it here).
This past year has been a huge year for learning and personal growth. I've come to truly understand the importance of balancing productivity with self-care.
Embrace Your Own Version Of Success
As my good friend, Mary Barrett says “Embracing self-kindness is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of our own inner strength and understanding of your needs”.
You know, sometimes we can be our own harshest critics. It's so easy to focus on what we didn't accomplish, on those big goals that may still feel out of reach. But I invite you to shift your perspective and embrace more self-compassion and lookout for your little successes. My philosophy on life is that it’s all about lessons, adventure and connection. So instead of berating yourself, can you ask yourself what lesson have you learnt instead? What can you do differently next time?
In the grand scheme of things, gaining one new client, rewriting your CV, or connecting with new people may not seem like monumental achievements. They may not be the shoutout "successes" we see on LinkedIn, but that's the beauty of it. These small wins may not be glaringly obvious, but they hold immense value and deserve to be celebrated. The meaning of success is so different for all, and for those who find themselves comparing themselves to others, just remember that not every successful person broadcasts their wins on LinkedIn.
Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step towards your version of success.
So, take a moment to reflect on these seemingly insignificant victories. Allow yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment for the steps you've taken, the challenges you've faced, and the growth you've experienced. Recognise that practising self-compassion allows you to learn from mistakes, to pivot when necessary, and to keep moving forward with resilience and determination. Remember, growth is not just about reaching the destination; it's about the journey of self-discovery and the courage to keep going.
So if you have a particular version of what you think success should look like, is it time to change your narrative?
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
― Maya Angelou
5 Easy Ways To Help You Reflect
As we approach the end of the year, it's only natural to start reflecting on the past year and everything that's happened. So take a deep breath and remember this: the most extraordinary pieces of you are still there, waiting to be discovered. In fact, reflecting on your personal and professional life can be an incredible way to discover those puzzle pieces.
So, here are five tips that may help you along the way:
Give yourself permission to feel. It's easy to push our emotions aside, but they hold valuable insights into who we are and what we need in life. Take some time to get in touch with your feelings, and be gentle with yourself along the way.
Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. It's easy to focus on what we haven't done, but it's just as important to celebrate what we have accomplished. Take a moment to acknowledge all that you've achieved, and let it fuel your motivation moving forward.
Consider what's important to you. When we're in the thick of life, it can be hard to see the bigger picture. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you, and what you want to prioritise in your personal and professional life.
Be open to change. Life is unpredictable, and it's okay to change course if something isn't working. Don't be afraid to pivot, to try new things, or to take a different approach. It’s ok to admit something is not working out.
Embrace the journey. Remember that life is a beautiful work-in-progress, and that every lesson along the way holds value. Embrace the ups and downs, and trust that everything is falling into place in its own time.
So as you reflect on the past year and everything that's come your way, I hope these tips offer some reassurance and inspiration.
Remember that you are a puzzle with beautiful, extraordinary pieces waiting to be discovered. Keep trusting the process, keep holding on, and beautiful things will unfold.
In The End
As I stand at the threshold of a new year, I can't help but feel a glimmer of excitement. And I hope you do too. Who knows what it holds? The possibilities are endless, and I'm ready to embrace them with open arms. Armed with the wisdom and insights gained from this year of change, I feel more equipped to navigate whatever comes my way.
Now I wonder what my 2024 word of the year is going to be?