End of year reflection and planning for the New Year

December has a magical festive feel that is mixed with self-reflection, taking account of the year gone by and planning for the next one. No wonder we all feel a little overwhelmed, it is a lot to navigate emotionally.

My birthday is on NYE and I often wondered if the urge for reflection was due to it being the end of the year or due to a new birthday coming up. I guess it is both  – when I was little I thought the fireworks were all for me! Nowadays, I just enjoy the buzz and that everyone is celebrating on my birthday! The sense of the end of a chapter and the excitement of a brand new with all of its possibilities.

I have researched and researched to find some meaningful questions to use for self-reflection for myself and also my daughters. I think it is important to teach our children to do that same. No, I am not talking about making New Year’s Resolutions. If you have been following me for a while, you will know, I don’t really believe in such a ritual. Instead, I enjoy journaling using the below questions and like planning, even creating a vision board to support this. (More on the vision boards in another post.)

Before you start

Make time for it – make sure you are not distracted and you can concentrate on thinking these questions through properly.  Make your favourite drink, get your favourite notebook (or go and buy one), pick a few of the below questions and dive deep!

End of year reflection journaling prompts

Did you do something new that you have never done before?

What will you always remember from this year?

How has your life changed since last year?

What is your proudest moment this year?

What is the biggest mistake you have made? What have you learn from this?

Wish you have done more of…. and less of…

Have you made any new awesome friendships/work relationships? Who are they and why are they so special?

The best advice you have received was…(from…)

What brought me most joy this year?

New Year Planning

What habit served you well last year that you want to carry on with in the New Year?

What habits caused you trouble, anxiety or any other problems that you would like to improve?

Who would you like to spend more time with?

What activity brings you joy that you want more of in the New Year?

What is your biggest dream for the New Year? 

If you could do anything knowing you wouldn’t fail it would be…

I hope you find these useful! If you have some more journaling prompts that you love, please share these with us!

Viki x