If your 2020 was a rough one like it was for so many people, I can certainly understand if you’re ready to skip the annual reflection this year. And yet, I’d argue that making time for an annual reflection is especially important this year. Here’s why:

We learn a lot more about ourselves – and what really matters to us – in our struggles.

As we reflect back on our past year, focusing on impact – both negative and positive – can be particularly useful. Here are some specific questions around impact that can help:

How were you negatively impacted this year?

The answers to this question might seem obvious, but please don’t skip it! 

Take time to acknowledge the burdens you took on this year. Back in January, would you have believed me if I told you that you’d be watching your kids WHILE managing remote learning WHILE also working full-time from home? Probably not.

Please take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Look at all that you handled and continue to take on while (sort of!) remaining in one piece.

We’re all stronger and capable of so much more than we might otherwise think and this past year certainly proves it.

How were you positively impacted this year?

This question might require a little deeper dive so here are some hints to get you started:

Did you discover a new appreciation for your partner/spouse?

How has your relationship with your kids changed as you’ve spent more time together? 

Has your financial situation improved in spite of everything else going on?

Finding the positive in a tough year seems hard on the surface. But when you dig a little deeper, this is where you find the good stuff. These are the revelations we can use to be intentional about how we want to show up moving forward.

Speaking of which...

How do you want to create impact moving forward?

We now know we’re a lot tougher than we thought and we also have a better idea of who and what really matters to us. Now let’s make sure our future actions align accordingly. 

Where were you spending a lot of time previously that no longer seems relevant or necessary?

How can you use your regained time to impact your life and the lives of those you care about?

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers here, only the ones that work best for you.

As I completed this exercise myself, I couldn’t help but realize how lucky I am. 

I’m lucky my family has remained healthy and that we’ve gotten to spend so much time together – even though I might daydream of sitting in the car in complete silence by myself! I’m also lucky to have a great partner in Michelle to tackle life’s challenges with. 

And I’m lucky and thankful to have a practice filled with great clients – one that provides the flexibility necessary to handle a year like the one we’ve all just experienced.

I’m also reminded of my stated responsibility to not only impact the lives of the people I interact with, but also those that I can help. 

If you found this exercise useful and you’re looking to increase your impact on the lives of others not as fortunate this holiday season, please consider a donation to any of these great organizations. 

In partnership with the Riverside Junior Woman’s Charity, I’m matching donations dollar for dollar up to $2,500.

Happy holidays from my family to yours!

I wish you all a great year ahead filled with meaning from the positive impact you’re making in your life and in the lives of those that matter most to you.

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