That’s A Wrap! Reflecting on the Last Decade

This week is the last week of the decade. On New Years Eve we say goodbye to both 2019 and the last 10 years, and we say hello to the 2020’s.

If you’re a person who likes to set goals and resolutions, this year’s a big opportunity! Personally, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I have changed in the last 10 years, who I am today, and what I want my life to look like once another decade has passed. The truth is, reflection is a powerful tool. Taking time to actively reflect creates learning and self-awareness, and enables forward thinking about the future. Research has found that taking time to reflect can even increase your performance at work by upwards of 23%. If we don’t understand our experiences, we won’t grow from them.

So why is it that a lot of people avoid reflection? Well, in this fast and demanding age, it can make you slow down and really think. Reflecting also requires you to be honest; to ask questions that often have hard answers; and to make changes to your habits or norms. But, the bottom line is clear despite challenges — reflection breeds better choices.

So, if you’re nerding out on looking back at the decade, here is a list of 10 questions to ask yourself to reflect and set yourself up for 10 more years of success:

1. What have I achieved (personally, professionally) this year? Is there anything I wanted to achieve by now that I haven’t yet? Is this a good or bad thing?

2. How would I describe myself 10 years ago? 5 years ago? 2 years ago?

3. What is one thing I wish I did but didn’t because of fear? What is holding me back?

4. When was my biggest period of growth? Why did that happen?

5. What would I do differently over the last year? 5 years?

6. What is the theme of my life for the past year?

7. What am I grateful for?

8. Which people make me feel the happiest and most like myself? Are there any relationships that leave me feeling bad?

9. How have I spent my time and money over the last two years? Does this allocation of resources need to change?

10. What do I want my life to look like in 5 years? 10 years? What can I do now to start on that path?

I challenge you to take 20 minutes and jot down the answers to these questions. The answers will surprise you and guide you. New year, new YOU. Go for it.