Reflection 2023
In a few days, this year is ending, and I have spent the last few days reflecting on the year that has passed and creating plans for what comes next in my life. The year 2023 is a significant milestone in my life and one of the most exciting years to date. In the past, there were years when significant events happened, such as the year my daughter was born—it was like complete bliss, but nothing compares to the year 2023. This year is particular because I experienced both the most significant breakthrough and the biggest breakdown in the same year, gaining the ability to see both sides of the same coin.
Here is one approach you might want to try for a year-end reflection:
Step 1: Block a period of time and choose a place where you will not be disturbed. (I usually choose early morning when everyone at home is still sleeping, or, at times, I go to a nearby cafe and do the process with a hot cup of coffee.) The critical point in this step is to choose a place (space) and time.
Step 2: List the key events without judging them as good/bad. Just make a list of key events and highlights from the year that happened. This is your “#1 Key Events” list.
Step 3: Next, make a list of things that you planned to do but did/could not do. Include all items, big and small (like publishing a book, starting a hobby, etc.). You can name it the “#2 Did/could not do” list.
Step 4: Read each item on your “#1 Key Events” list slowly. Some items might look like a success or a good thing that happened, while others might look like a failure or a bad thing that happened to you. Ask, “How did this happen? What was my contribution? What was others’ contribution?” Create a “#3. Key Learnings and People to Thank/Forgive” list based on that.
Step 5: Read each item on your “#2 Did/could not do” list slowly. For each item, ask, “Is this still relevant? Do I want to do this or drop it?” If you decide not to pursue it further, then strike it off. If you are clear and would like to pursue it further, put a future date when you plan to start it. If you are unclear or unable to decide, then mention “not decided - revisit” and mention a date when you want to revisit it.
Step 6: In the final step, review what you have learned and take the “#3. Key Learnings and People to Thank/Forgive” list. Look at the list of people to thank/forgive. Read each name, remember the situation, and say “Thank you” or “I forgive you.”
Though the above method looks very structured, once you understand the gist, you can add/modify and create your own approach. What is important is to pause and reflect deeply to reset and start the new year with high energy.
The biggest learning for me when I lost my job due to redundancy was not to dwell in that negative emotion for too long. I felt proud that I did my best and did not blame or make anyone wrong. It also gave me another perspective about “lay-off.” A few years back, when we were running ProcessWhirl, and things became difficult, we did not fire people to save costs but informed them about the situation and helped them find new roles in other companies. Then we closed the company. The lesson for me was that both are valid approaches, and one should choose based on their values and principles.
I also observed in the last few months that the number of open positions has reduced significantly, and many people are looking for new roles. My only message or advice is that there might be fewer roles, but there are many other opportunities. Use this time wisely to upgrade, upskill, and unlearn.
Two quotes to end this article:
Alexander Graham Bell, the famous inventor, said, “When one door closes, another one opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
And Peter Drucker, one of the greatest management thinkers, said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Have a wonderful year 2024
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