Summary:
At the end of each year, many of us get reminders to set goals or make resolutions for the upcoming year. I am encouraging you not to set goals (yet). This article has 12 questions for you to help you to reflect on the previous year. Then, you can set better and more realistic goals for the future.
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I’ve been setting goals for many years. That is fun to do. I write down what I want to learn, accomplish, and experience in the upcoming year. This year, I will do something different. Don’t get me wrong. Setting goals is an important step in any venture, whether on a personal or professional level.
Unattained goals
I did reach some of my goals for this year. Others, not. One of my hobbies is Geocaching. I enjoy doing this for over 20 years, and because of it, I discovered some wonderful places that I would normally not visit. The goal was to hit 1000 finds this year finally. As of today, I have registered 818 founds. Bummer. It seems that I do have a bad feeling about not reaching goals. Even this minor but fun goal. Do you recognize this as well?
Know thyself
For many years now, I have been working in the field of personal development. That is on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels.
An ancient Greek aphorism is “know thyself.” I believe that knowing yourself is an important part of personal development. That is why I often reflect on my actions both in this world and in the dreamworlds.
This year, I am looking back and reflect on what went well and what I have learned. I believe that by reflecting, you can create better and more realistic goals for the upcoming year.
12 questions for reflection
Below you will find 12 questions you can answer for yourself before setting new goals. Some are from me, and others are from the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. He calls them questions for self-analysis. There a (two) questions I do answer and others that are blank. The reasons are because they are for me or because I still have to answer them.
- What am I (most) grateful for?
This question is one of the most important questions to ask yourself every day. It opens my heart and gives me joy. This year, I am most grateful that I have deepened and strengthened the bond with those I love. - What have I learned? What new insights have I had?
This year’s important insight is that it helps to know the general storyline instead of knowing all the details and the facts. It helps me to be more natural, myself, and authentic while presenting a story or a theory. - Have I improved my personality, and if so, in what ways?
- Am I in the right vocation, and if not, why not?
- Have I reached decisions promptly and definitely on all occasions?
- Have I been intemperate (excessive) in any of my habits?
- In what ways have I improved my ability to provide service?
- How much time have I devoted to unprofitable effort, which I might have used to better advantage?
- If I had been the purchaser of my own services for the year, would I have been satisfied with my purchase?
- Have I invested time or money that has not resulted in a satisfactory outcome? What were the reasons for investing in the first place, and what have I done to make it a success?
- Has the spirit of my conduct been harmonious and cooperative at all times?
- Have my opinions and decisions been based on guesswork or accuracy of analysis and thought?
You can answer all of these questions (more are to be found in this article or this article and Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, pages 145-147).
I encourage you to take some time to reflect (Napoleon Hill says you have to take at least one day for this).
Then, I invite you to set attainable goals that are in line with what you’ve reflected on. Perhaps you realize that some goals you had for many years have to be changed.
Effective goals
I believe that goals are the most effective, successful, and achievable if they align with your WHY. Your WHY is the reason for which you wake up each morning. It is a positive action that has an impact on the world.
If your goals are in line with your WHY, you will experience more determination (less procrastination), energy, motivation, and enthusiasm in working towards reaching your goals.
Next year, I will continue to write blogs for you to uplift yourself and live a happier and more fulfilling life.
What are your favorite questions for reflection? Which one of the above resonates with you? Let me know in the comment field below. The other readers of this article and I are looking forward to reading from you!
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Source: Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich
