Instead of making New Year’s resolutions after one of the most exhausting and busy times of the year, make January a time for reflection before you set your goals for the new year. I suggest focusing on three questions for the month of January.
- What went well in 2024? Start the year by focusing on what went well. Take time to celebrate and be grateful for the good in your life. What career and personal accomplishments do you feel good about? Include the ‘small’ accomplishments too—something as simple as cleaning out the garage may have made you feel less encumbered and given you more time to spend on activities you enjoy.
- What did you learn?Was there a situation, project, or relationship that taught you something? Acknowledging what you learned—whether positive or negative—helps you apply those insights to the future. It may also make you realize it’s time for an important decision or change.
- What would you have done differently? Were there actions you wished you’d taken or not taken? As with the first question, don’t dismiss what seems inconsequential, like wishing you had taken all your vacation days! This question will prepare you for creating 2025 goals that can really make an impact on your success and happiness.
To make the most of this reflection:
- Schedule it. Whether you take an hour every weekend for the month of January or set aside an afternoon at your favorite coffee shop, schedule time for reflection.
- Write it. Writing helps us process our thoughts. I prefer a journal or notebook, but use your tablet or computer if that’s what works for you.
To increase the positive impact of your 2025 goals:
- Align your goals with your responses to the three questions: what went well, what you learned, or what you would do differently.
- For each goal, write down the first step you can take to move forward on the goal. For example, if you want to expand your professional skills, a first step might be using an evaluation to assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- Schedule time for taking that step—it’s an appointment with your future!
Take January to reflect on the year past, then set your goals for 2025.
By Beth Benatti Kennedy, MS, LMFT
