When I reflect, I am able to put an experience into perspective and learn from it. Reflecting and reviewing on my past year allows me to distance myself from the emotions of good and bad experiences and see them with fresh eyes.

Each December, prior to the New Year and setting new goals, I try to spend some quality time reflecting and reviewing the past year.

The benefits:

• Provides perspective
• Gives me emotional integrity to my thoughts
• Increases my gratitude and confidence
• Clarifies the big picture
• Turns my experiences into wisdom

Here’s how to embrace the lessons of 2019 to make for an impactful 2020:

1. Get away (by yourself) and set aside time to reflect and review
2. Remove distractions and take a journal with you
3. Ask yourself the right questions
4. List highlights with your family and friends
5. Note personal highlights of the past year
6. Reflect on professional highlights of the past year
7. Reflect on the low points as well as major events
8. Be grateful for your milestones
9. Reflect on your leadership influence, impact, and inspiration
10. Ask yourself “what went right” personally
11. Ask yourself “what went right” professionally
12. Note what went wrong and why
13. Make a list of what you’ve learned this year
14. Make a list of things you can do differently next year to bring more meaning, fulfillment, and significance

I personally don’t take a deep dive into every category of my life but instead try to pull out key learnings and perspectives. This allows me to prepare to navigate the new year so I can reset in a more meaningful way.

I wish you a year of purpose ahead as you reflect and review on your 2019.

Here’s to a powerful 2020!
—Steve