By the end of this post, I think you’ll agree. Not only are you another year older, but certainly a year wiser.

As this year comes to a close, I’m going to do what I encourage of others. Following the process I’ve outlined some time ago, I’m going to take a separate piece of paper and jot down my answers to these questions:

How has this year aligned with how you had envisioned the year at the outset of the year? I’ve learned that both the process of journaling about your vision for the year to come and then subsequently reviewing that journal entry can be enlightening (and entertaining).

How has this year been different for you from others? You can start with the obvious for you, but then begin to scratch a little beneath the surface. Take the time to think through and respond.

Another question to reflect upon as the year comes to a close: What are some things that you have achieved, learned, accomplished, realized, or progressed upon in the past year? Which of your goals have been realized?

Here is the question that we typically ask ourselves this time of year: What are some things that you would like to change in the new year? Why is this important for you? And how can you realistically make this happen for yourself? What are some steps you can take?

What are some things that you would like to carry forth into the new year? Any new practices, routines, hobbies, priorities that have emerged during this time that have become important or useful to you?

Happy journaling, reflecting, and finding clarity in how you want to create your new year. I’ll see you there!