Reflecting on the Year

Well, here we are again, staring December 31 right smack, dab in the face.  Every year, I find myself thinking, “Whew this year flew by!”  I realize that there are the same amount of hours in each year, but I’ve somehow convinced myself that time seems to move faster every year.  Either way, around this time, I start reflecting on all the things I’ve accomplished or not, and I immediately start planning and goal-setting for the next year.  This year, however, I’d like to take some time to ask myself a question that I should have been asking all along. 

The question is:  What did I learn about myself this year?  That seems like a really simple question, right, so why have I been avoiding it?  I think one reason is that I have been so focused on what’s next, that I’ve missed several opportunities to reflect on the lessons the year brought specifically.  I am now, though, and I invite you to do the same.

Lesson 1: I am way more resilient than I thought.  

Several obstacles, losses and disappointments showed up in my life this year.  You can never really prepare for that, but it wasn’t until I actually sat down and thought about it that I realized I never gave up.  I invested time and resources into some ventures that didn’t work.  I put myself out there for some opportunities that didn’t pan out, but I didn’t let those disappointments stop me from trying something else.  A few years ago, the types of rejection I faced this year would have taken me out of the game, but this year, the rejection just made me more creative and open to different possibilities.  I recently applied for a promotion in a completely different and new department just because I’d like to try it.  I don’t know if I’ll get it, but I know experiencing some of the challenges I faced while looking for other opportunities earlier this year strengthened my resolve and showed me that I have many hidden talents.  As a result, I gained enough confidence to apply for that position.  If I get it, great, but if not, I’m excited about what new opportunities will come along now that I have increased confidence and resilience.

Lesson 2: I could benefit from giving myself more grace.  

As mentioned before, I experienced a lot of disappointments and losses this year.  Some of them were self-inflicted, some I had no control over.  Though I did notice I became more resilient after all of those disappointments, I found that even if I did my very best in each situation, I still found ways to nitpick and over-analyze my every decision.  Furthermore, from here on out, I will be much more intentional about embracing “Progress, not perfection” and giving myself grace and room to grow from my mistakes.

Lesson 3: I can trust my gut/intuition.  

Several times this year, my intuition warned me or prepared me for what was ahead.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m psychic, but there were signs that I should be aware of certain situations and people all year long.  I took some of those signs seriously, and I am grateful that I prepared accordingly.  Others, I ignored and paid a price for it.  All of that taught me that I need to pay attention to those signs and those feelings and take them seriously.  I think we all have those gut feelings that come up when we might be in danger or even when there might be a positive opportunity we need to take advantage of.  Now, I won’t take those feelings for granted.  I can trust myself!

What about you?  What lessons did 2024 teach you?  Let us know @GSDFactor on Instagram or LinkedIn!  I can’t wait to hear them.  Happy holidays, GSDers!