When you hit the end of December and look back over the past 365 days, it’s hard to remember all the little moments that shape the memories of the past year. While the extreme highs and lows remain seared in your mind, the smaller moments fade into the fray.
While many people assume it is the big moments that shape the direction of your life for the year, the truth is that many times it’s the little moments—the “mundane” to many of us—that really define who we are. From how we react to the unexpected, to how we delicately balance the stressors of life, the previous year is made up on millions of these tiny moments.
As we look to set goals and resolutions for the next year, it’s important to set aside time for introspective reflection. If you don’t ask yourself specific questions, it’s easy to wander off the course of life you had planned and end up somewhere you don’t want to be. So, we’ve curated a short list of questions to ask yourself as a guide for a more mindful and healthy new year.
How do I use my time?
Time is something we never seem to have enough of. Rushing through a day that is filled with drop-offs, a board meeting and cooking dinner, only to crash on the couch in a utter exhaustion, is not a way to promote a healthy lifestyle. Examine every part of your day. Is your job stimulating? Are you setting aside time for exercise and adequate sleep? Make a list of priorities and ensure the top of your list is accomplished each day. Make each moment count. This could mean saying “no” to more, or saying “yes” only to the most important things.
What am I taking for granted?
It can be easy to get wrapped up in the curveballs life throws. Whether it be losing a job or the passing of a family member, the valleys of life can overshadow the peaks. If you look back over 2017 and only feel sorrow or misfortune, try taking a step back to see the people or things that were there to support you in your lowest moments. It could be friends that provided meals or kept you company, or simply the reminder that you have a roof over your head and food on your table. Sometimes the things that keep us going are the same things we take for granted. Make a list of these things to remember them in more difficult times.
How am I taking care of myself?
The first step to self-improvement is ensuring you are taking care of yourself. You can’t expect to help others if you aren’t taking care of yourself, first. Think of the directions flight attendants give on an airplane: always put on your oxygen mask before helping those around you. Taking care of yourself can include removing unneeded stressors, ensuring you’re eating a healthy diet, and getting out to exercise and elevate your heart rate at least a few times a week.
The biggest waste of effort is trying to change the course of things not in our control. Excess stress contributes to heart diseases, elevated blood pressure and weight gain. Create a resolution to let go of the aspects of life that cause undue anxiety.
Are you achieving your goals?
Before you even think about setting a resolution, ask yourself: are you achieving your goals?
Throughout the year, it’s important to reflect on the previous months and conduct a mental progress report on how you’re doing. These periodic self-reflection sessions will allow you to take stock of your accomplishments and reset course if you’ve gone astray. Don’t let setbacks completely throw you off course. Reassessing the progress of your year will help you keep your resolutions in the new year.
January brings about a sense of newness that inspires change and self-improvement. Don’t squander the new year by lack of preparation or resolutions that are made in haste. Practice introspection and targeted goal setting to make 2018 the best year yet!
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