Remember, remember… it’s already November!
With the year’s end just around the corner, this month’s blog invites you to pause and reflect. Now is the ideal time to consider what you’ve achieved, what didn’t go as planned, and what you’d like to let go of or carry forward into the new year. Taking time for reflection doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little intention.
The shorter days and darker evenings might make us feel a bit lethargic, let’s be honest—tempted to hibernate! This low energy can make it harder to focus on what matters. So, I suggest carving out a dedicated hour this month. Here’s a simple exercise that can be incredibly clarifying.
First, get outside in the fresh air and daylight if you can—mid to late morning is great, but any time works. Once you’re back, make yourself a drink (hot or cold, whatever suits you) and get a pen and paper. Now, draw four columns and label them:
- What I achieved
- What I didn’t achieve
- What I want to ditch
- What I’m grateful for
Write at least five things in each. Why five? Often, we focus only on what we did or didn’t accomplish, but adding gratitude and consciously letting go of outdated goals opens our eyes to how much we really have. Don’t overthink it—just jot down whatever comes to mind.
If you’re on a roll and can list more than five, keep going until you’ve got it all down. Then, step away for a bit and come back to review your list in the evening. For everything you achieved, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
Look over the items in the “didn’t achieve” column and ask yourself if they were “wants” or “shoulds” or if they were outside your control. If they’re just “shoulds,” cross them out and let them go—you don’t need the extra pressure. If they are out of your control, think about ways to break them down into manageable pieces or seek help where needed.
As for the “ditch” column, this is your chance to be honest with yourself. It’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you, even if they once felt important. Often, we hang on to certain goals out of habit, and when they don’t pan out, we feel we’ve failed. Deciding to ditch them consciously means freeing yourself up for what truly matters—turning a “failed” goal into a win!
Finally, spend some time on gratitude. What are you grateful for? It could be big or small—a roof over your head, a good meal, time with friends or family, or simply a moment of sunshine. It doesn’t have to be a grand achievement; just appreciate what’s already here.
One last thought, think about what you want to do more of next year and add that to your notes!
So that’s my November reflection task! Whether you follow it step-by-step or create your own version, take a few moments this month to recognize all that you have and all that you’ve accomplished. Just focusing on gratitude alone will leave you feeling more fulfilled and ready for the weeks ahead.
Happy November, and remember to visit www.sarahbolitho.com for details on all upcoming courses!
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