By Shefa Ali
Maybe it was 12 months you would rather forget, maybe it was the most memorable year of your life. As a new year is just a few weeks away, reflecting can be really useful and not in a learn from your mistakes kind of way, it can be about rejoicing, despite the losses some of us had to bear. If you think about 2020 and negative thoughts creep in, it’s ok to sit with them for a moment but then take your focus back to the good things. Be kind to yourself. Let your thoughts flow freely and don’t judge yourself. No mistakes, no regrets, just learning. Over the next couple of weeks I am going to share my end of year rituals with you.
If you’re among those struggling to regain your mental balance after a very challenging year, here is a straightforward ritual to combat negative feelings about 2020 and reclaim your positivity.
Grab a partner, it could a friend, a family member or your spouse and then sit down with a piece of paper and start completing this sentence: “This year, I’m proud of ... “ If you run out of thoughts, your partner can gently prod you with “What else?” Keep going until you have thought of 30 to 40 accomplishments, big or small, business or personal.
Just as you probably accomplished more this year than you remember, you also have probably learned more than you realise. However, the key to getting the most out of that new knowledge is actually putting it to use. This ritual may help. Gather your notes from any webinars or lectures you attended throughout the year, as well as any books you have read and reflect of any meaningful conversation or situations that took place this year. Summarise your key learning and set your top 3-5 action steps. Knowledge is great, but knowledge plus execution can make you unstoppable.
Suddenly, 2020 won’t seem so terrible after all, and you’ll be reminded that even in bad times, you managed to salvage some good. Now imagine what you can do in the year ahead.
* The author is a consultant and coach. Instagram handle: @miss_shefa, Website: missshefa.com