As the year is coming to a close soon, it is natural to feel reflective and introspective. While self reflection is something that can be done at any time, the end of the year serves as a symbolic marker and is a great time to evaluate your goals, dreams, and accomplishments.
Self reflection might seem simple, but they are a powerful way to become aware of your growth, learn about yourself, and set the tone for what you’d like your future to look like.
Set some time aside for yourself before the new year comes to spend reflecting on the past year and what you want out of next year. Just an hour or two can make a big difference setting the tone for the new year.
The following questions are split in two categories, reflection questions about the past year, and reflection questions for the upcoming year, both are important, but I’d recommend starting with reflecting on the past year because it gives valuable insight for what you might want to manifest for the future.
self reflection question for the past year:
What were your biggest achievements this year?
Looking back at your accomplishments and achievements can help you appreciate everything you’ve done this year.
It’s easy to get caught up in the negatives and the things you didn’t check off your list, but when you start focusing on all the amazing things you’ve accomplished, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for yourself.
Take a moment to jot down all your achievements, big or small, from this year. Did you reach your goals, learn a new skill, or make a positive impact on someone’s life?
What were your biggest failures or mistakes this year?
Nobody is perfect, mistakes and failures are a part of life. Reflecting on your failures can be a powerful opportunity for personal growth and learning. We actually can learn the most from our failures, but only if we take the time to reflect on them.
Analyze the cause of the mistakes you’ve had this year and consider how you can improve next time. Use these failures as a positive guide to help you grow and become a better version of yourself.
What did you learn about yourself this year?
Since we’re always growing and evolving, self-discovery is a journey that never ends. Reflecting on what you’ve learned about yourself this year can help you become more self-aware and confident within yourself and your values.
Perhaps this year you uncovered new strengths, weaknesses, or ways to deal with challenges. Reflecting on these moments of self-discovery can help you embrace and navigate your life with more ease as you’ll be equipped with your learnings.
What habits or rituals did you adopt that positively impacted your life?
Positive habits and rituals can influence our life, career, and happiness. Take a moment to reflect on the habits or rituals that you adopted this year that positively impacted your life.
Maybe you started meditating, reading more books, or developed a consistent workout routine. Consider how these habits contributed to your overall well-being and how you can maintain or improve them- and be sure to show yourself gratitude for bringing these rituals into your life.
What habits or rituals did you adopt that negatively impacted your life?
While we don’t want to get down on ourselves too much, it’s important to bring awareness to the self-destructive things we do subconsciously. Reflecting on negative habits or rituals that you adopted this year can help you avoid them in the future.
Were you procrastinating, scrolling through social media too much, or snacking on things you know aren’t good for you?
Identify the negative habit and its root cause, then seek alternatives that can help you avoid them in the future. By doing so, you can replace destructive habits with positive ones and promote your well-being.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
We all face unique challenges in our life. For you, the past year may have presented numerous challenges or just a few, whether personal or professional. Reflect on these challenges and consider how you overcame them.
Did you seek support from others, develop new coping mechanisms, or tap into your resilience? Remembering and becoming aware of how you overcame challenges can provide insights and strength for the inevitable future obstacles that will arise.
What are you grateful for this year?
Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve overall well-being and mental health. Take a moment to think about all the things you are grateful for, if this seems difficult chances are that you’re stuck in a negative loop of the scarcity mindset.
Try to boil it down to the simplest things: Did you have a supportive network of friends and family? Did you have access to basic needs like food and shelter? Did you experience personal growth or achieve a goal?
By acknowledging what you are grateful for, you can cultivate a positive, abundance mindset and appreciate the good in your life.
self reflection questions for the upcoming year
What are your goals for the upcoming year?
Looking ahead to the next year, it’s important to set goals for yourself. These can be personal, professional, or health-related goals. Think about what you want to achieve and create your plan to work towards them.
The key is to make sure your goals are realistic and specific, with actionable steps that will help you reach them. By setting goals, you give yourself a sense of direction and purpose for the upcoming year.
How do you plan on taking care of yourself in the new year?
Self-care isn’t just a meaningless trend, it’s vital for maintaining overall well-being, which spills over into all aspects of our lives.
This might mean setting boundaries, being kinder to yourself, doing things that bring you joy, or seeking help if needed. Remember, investing in self-care is investing in your long-term happiness and success. So, make yourself a priority and embrace the power of self-care.
What are you looking forward to in the new year?
The start of a new year brings with it a sense of hope and excitement for what’s to come. Take some time to think about what you are looking forward to in the upcoming year.
This could be anything from the personal goals you’ve set early, travel plans, or simply trying new things. Remember to let your mind roam and dream, engage your imagination! By having something to look forward to, you can stay motivated and positive throughout the year.
What steps will you take to improve your relationships in the new year?
If there’s something to take away from what the blue zones do differently, it’s their relationships.
As social beings our relationships are so important for our overall wellbeing. Take some time to reflect on how you can improve your connections in the new year.
Whether it’s with family, friends, or romantic partners, relationships are an important aspect of our lives. This could involve communicating more openly and honestly, making time
Self reflection is a key practice for personal growth and bringing awareness to your life. When you honestly evaluate your year, you’ll gain valuable insights into yourself that can guide you toward a more fulfilling life that you love to wake up to every day.
Use these self reflection questions to look back on your year, understand yourself better, and plan for achieving your goals in the upcoming year. Embrace the new year with confidence, awareness, and a commitment to becoming your best self!
