In December 2020, I began a new practice. Writing myself a letter at the end of the year. The purpose of this letter was to reflect on the year that’s been and set my intentions for the coming year.
It’s a practice I’ve shared with readers of this newsletter before. And it’s been great to hear this practice has gained traction amongst readers.
Have you tried it yet?
If not, I encourage you to make this year your first.
You won’t regret it.
Why should you invest the time to reflect on your year?
By late December you’ve most likely switched into the full festive spirit. Enjoying time with your family, eating way too much food and over indulging in alcoholic beverages.
There’s nothing wrong with letting off a little steam to cap off the year.
You may not realise it – but over the past 12 months you’ve gained valuable insights, skills, connections and life experiences. You are not the same person you were 12 months ago.
It’s wise to invest time reflecting on each day, week, month and year.
Reflecting on your year by putting pen to paper has many benefits:
- It brings clarity and order to your mind (remember entropy?)
- It’s a therapeutic and can help you release emotions
- It will help you understand yourself better
- It improves your memory and retention
- It will help you achieve your goals
After doing this exercise for the past five years, I’ve found the greatest benefit of all is opening up your letter in the future and seeing how much progress you’ve made and how much you’ve changed.
Writing your Reflection Letter
1) Schedule 2-3 hours in your calendar over the next week
Reflecting on your whole year takes some time. You may want to schedule this activity over a couple mornings (this is what I’ve done). One for the reflection piece, and one for setting your intentions.
I’ve been refining my process each year, and now I do this over a few days. The most important thing is to make this process unique to you. These are some guidelines you can build from.
2) Part 1: Reflect on 2024
To help you with this exercise, open up a Google Doc and write bullet points of what happened in your life in 2024.
Break your life into major categories (such as family, health, finances, career/business and experiences). List as many dot points as you can under each.
If you’ve been diligent in keeping a diary or calendar system – take some time to go back through these to help you recall what’s taken place this year.
Once you’ve completed your bullet point list, then write your reflection letter by hand. Working through each category as you go. You can write as much or as little as you choose.
As with everything in life, the more you put in, the more you will get out.
3) Part 2: Set your Intentions for 2025
Once you’ve finished your reflections for 2024, it’s time to look towards 2025.
Imagine yourself 12 months from now.
How would you love 2025 to unfold?
This step requires your imagination. Think of this step as if you’re writing a script for a movie, and you get to play the lead role. What script do you want to write for your character over the coming 12 months?
Try not to let your current circumstances limit your imagination. Don’t get caught up in how your intentions will happen. Simply write down what you want to happen.
Last year I adopted intention setting rather than goals (inspired by
Trevor Blake).
“Intentions are goals but with all doubt of their attainment removed.”
Rather than trying to control the process of how things will transpire (traditional goal setting), with intentions – you allow life to fill in the details for you.
There’s no attachment to how things must be. I highly recommend reading Trevor’s book ‘Three Simple Steps’ for a deeper understanding on Intentions vs Goal Setting.
4) Address your Letter to Future You
Once you’ve completed your reflection and intention writing, seal your letter in an envelope and address it to future you. Put your letter somewhere safe. Set a reminder in your calendar to open your letter in 12 months time.
And then repeat the process next year.
The Gift that keeps on Giving
Taking the time to reflect on your year and set your intentions is simple, but not easy. And that’s why few people will do it.
But I promise if you invest the time in this yearly practice your future self will thank you.
(And remember, delayed gratification is the most important factor in financial and life success – this exercise will help you build develop this character attribute).
Let me know how you go with this exercise.
