New year, new me! A simple reflection and goal-setting tool for New Year's Eve (and beyond).

I love the vibes of a "New Beginning" that comes with the year change. It's the perfect time to reflect on the past and look out into the future. What went well? What didn't? And why?

Even if the past year was not your best one, if you think about what went wrong and reflect, you can do better next time. That's all life seems to be about. It's not wrong to fall if you stand up again (and think about why you fell and avoid it in the future 🙃). There are so many aspects you could consider.

So let's keep it short and simple with this lovely tool for reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new year: "Year in, year out. I discovered it in the "Wake up / Wind down" Podcast last year and loved it. You can listen to it here (in german language).

So let's start!

Preparation:

1. Take two pieces of paper and a pen.

2. Draw 3 circles, one inside the other, on each piece of paper. You should have space to write on the outside and also in the spaces between the circles.

3. Label your circles as stated below:

   1. Label the part between the outer circle and the edge of your paper, "What happened in the world?" on one piece, and "What I want to give the world "on the other.

   2. One circle further in, write, "What happened in my life?" and "What do I want to happen in my life."

   3. In the next circle, write "Feelings."

   4. In the inner circle, write: "Motto and essence."

You can download a template here.

Reflecting on the past year from the outside to the inside & label your circles:

1. What happened in the world that affected your life? (For example: political events, pandemics, events brought to you from the outside, climate, …) Write this in the space between the edge of the paper and the outer circle.

2. What happened in your life? (For example: a new relationship, journeys, job change, moving, achievements, deaths, injuries, ...) include positive and negative. Write this in the space inside the first circle.

3. How did it make you feel? What were your feelings in the past year? (For example: insecure, proud, motivated, safe, sad, afraid, ...)

4. What is the motto or essence of your past year? (For example: Just do it, I am enough, …) Write this in the inner circle.
   

Now we are approaching the upcoming year. We do the same thing, but from the inside to the outside.

1. What is the motto or essence of your upcoming year? (For example: Year of Health, Keep on going, finding inner peace, Living the dream, …. ) Write this in the inner circle.

2. How do you want to feel? (For example: energetic, proud, motivated, safe, courageous, relaxed, ...)

3. What do you want to happen in your life in the upcoming year? What can you do to feel what you have defined in the previous circle? (For example: get stronger, establish a healthy training routine, start a new career, travel to XY, find a new home, …)

4. What do you want to give the world in the upcoming year? (For example: Inspiration, a Book, Support, …) Write this in the space between the edge of the paper and the outer circle.

Once you've filled everything out, take another 2-3 minutes to look at both reflections.

What were your core themes in the past year? What do you want to keep and not keep? What are the differences? What are the commonalities? Are you surprised? Do not judge, but look at the reflections with interest and reflect briefly on your reflection. ;-)

And - drumrolls - you just finished your yearly reflection. Thank you for taking the time to do so. I'd love to hear your insights and thoughts! You can write me anytime on Instagram @aerial.playground.

P.S.: If you want to start coaching or personal training with me, get on the waiting list here (free & non-binding).