Hindsight is 20/20: Suggestions for a Positive End of Year Review

2019 is coming to a close. 2020 brings the promise of not only a new year but a new decade.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. ~Carl Bard

At the end of the year its common practice to indulge in a year-end review. Some people go deep in their excavation, unearthing the roots of their thoughts, their feelings, and their behaviors. Some people prefer to stay on the surface and see the results of their year from a bird’s eye view.

Either way, most people take at least a moment or two to consider how their past year went. No matter your approach from experience I find it important to be vigilant not to judge harshly as your memories flood your head with your past year’s hits and misses.

Realize that we see the truth of all our choices, after they’ve happened. As they say, “Hindsight is 20/20” and it’s absolutely true! It’s right there. Crystal clear and in High-Def!

So, as we review our year, let’s be kind in our evaluation. We do our best with what we’re capable of based on our situation, knowledge and skills at that moment.

Be loving to yourself and don’t let the past year’s replay go on for too long, or you risk falling into a loop of disappointment and self-criticism. The gift of introspection is to learn, not sulk. It’s cruel and self-sabotage to remain any longer than necessary to gauge where we’re at and how we’re doing.

Take some time to give 2019 a once over and then look towards 2020 with the hope it offers. New Year’s Eve is a ceremonial finish of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter. Fresh, blank pages that are unwritten and beckon us to grab our pen and color those empty pages with new and exciting ideas and experiences that are fresh and stimulating.

I don’t know about you but welcoming a new year, one that also signals a new decade, seems to bring a little more umph in my annual life-review!

It’s gotten me focused on how I want the next decade to roll. What would I like to do to take things to the next level? What tiny corrections in direction, or minor adjustments in my approach, or subtle tweaking could make things just a little bit better?

I’m aware that I am in the driver’s seat and I have the freedom and gift to chose what will help bring me greater life satisfaction.

Do I need to pursue a new opportunity or try to do things more efficiently, faster, or better quality? Do I have balance in my life? Are my relationships healthy? Am I thriving in my professional life? Do I practice self-care? Am I involved with community or learning opportunities or hobbies that stimulate me, offer meaning and keep me growing?

Bottom line, it’s not just a new decade or new year that offers a new beginning. We have this option every day, or every hour or every minute to make some changes that will make things change.

Keep it Simple,
Just Teri

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