1st Month of the Year’s Done: Importance of Reflection

Right, right, right. The first month of the year is nearly over. Soooo what have you done? I love the beginning of the year, when everyone comes up with New Year’s resolutions that are lucky to see February. I love the idea of waiting until January 1st to make a change. It’s a brilliant idea. (Getting the sarcasm here?)

Jokes aside, I do think a year is a good scorecard, just like I think a birthday can be. I remember watching a interview with Skepta and Pharrell a little while back. I recall Skepta saying something like

“This year was the first time that I celebrated my birthday as a celebration of what I had done that year”

When it comes to New Years this year, I want you to celebrate what has happened and of course the fact that you’re still breathing. Yes there might have been crappy times, dark and hard times, but ultimately I want you to come through and look back at the good stuff like a champion.

This brings up the importance of reflection. As of last year November, I started reflecting on the month. I ask myself questions like: Have I been keeping up with the habits that I set for myself? Did I achieve the monthly goals that were set to help me reach my goals for the year? What other things did I achieve? How can I improve?

I can’t say enough how useful this is. It’s so easy to be on the go and not take a moment to sit back and reflect. Reflecting isn’t about living in the past. It’s about celebrating the small victories and improving so that you can taste those ever so sweet big victories. Asking questions like, what did I do well and what do I need to improve on are cornerstones for ensuring a great month.

As it often does, the first month of the year has flown by. Next thing you know it will be Easter, then Summer, then Bonfire Night, then Christmas. Time waits for no one. I encourage you to not let this year pass you by. Take a moment out to reflect and plan how you’re going to make this month great.