The importance of reflection

Here we are with 2017 well and truly underway. Everyone is back from holidays and the champagne haze of ringing in the new year has passed just long enough for coherent thoughts to start filtering through my brain.

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions I wanted to share with you, a massive “now what?” that hit my head like a hammer hitting an anvil. It was at this moment that I decided to plan ahead. Though to plan ahead I decided to reflect on the year that had past.

At the beginning of 2017, I had completely brushed of 2016 into the dustpan of history. My internal monologue had chalked up 2016 as a year of misfortune, bad luck and just plain uneventful. It wasn’t until I compiled a list of achievement and events for 2016 that made me realise there were also so many positives.

Like what? Well, discovering I have a keen interest in VR, starting a new job, valuing my opinion more, I learned how to snowboard, went camping for the first time, tried my hand at trip lining and took a holiday to Japan. I also trained my brain how to switch off from work and enjoy my afternoons and weekends with friends and family.

Reflection on these positive events has helped me make the path for the goals I would like to achieve in 2017. It’s easy to forget all the great things that happen during a year when you focus on the negatives. But, just taking some time to reflect, going through your calendar or emails can help jog your memory and is time well spent.