Look Back with Appreciation and Forward with Anticipation
Start the New Year with a renewed appreciation of where you have been and where you want to go. The beginning of a New Year often leads one to reflect a bit on what came before and think about the future. With busy healthcare practices there may be little time to reflect. Overtime this may lead to a sense of distance from yourself, contributing to the de-personalization you may feel toward yourself and patients. January is often a lighter month with regards to activities and pressures. You may have some time to reflect now. If you’re experiencing burnout, this may feel a little scary.
While reflecting you get to acknowledge your accomplishments as well as challenges. Below are three questions to focus your inner, and perhaps out loud, conversations related to looking back and looking forward.
- What did I do, create, or experience this past year that I am proud of? Take note of these and literally write down 5 accomplishments. Look through your calendar and see what you did, accomplished and spent time with. Acknowledgement of what you’ve done and how you conducted yourself is part of being aware of who you are at your best.
- What challenges or disappointments did I experience? What lessons did I learn? Here again write down up to 5 items. When you look back at the year which just passed, you can take the long view. There are probably some of the things that just didn’t go so well; what were some of the mistakes that were made? The distance in time allows you greater objectivity. Ask yourself, “What made that situation difficult? … What lesson can I learn? and How can I do better next time?” Use the information to grow into a better and wiser person in the New Year. Allow yourself to experience some Post Traumatic Growth.
- What Impact do I want to have in the New Year? This may seem like a funny question because it is not directly about what you want. While it may have something to do with accomplishment, this question also goes beyond, to the impact you can make by how you are being. Asking yourself this will reveal what is important to you and perhaps provide you with a metaphoric North Star to keep you on track in the year ahead. Limit yourself to up to 5 impacts and write these down. It’s OK if they are a bit of a stretch, keep realistic optimism in mind when formulating your ideas.
For more ideas and more depth to your review of the past year and planning for the New Year, contact me to set up a time for a free Year End Review and Plan for the New session.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina,Well-Being Coach
203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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