Reflecting on 2018….. is it that time already?!?!

I am sure I’m not alone when I say “where did 2018 go?!?!?!”. It seems that as I get older the years fly by even faster. And this year has been a huge year for my family. One son started primary school, the other moved out of long term daycare into a local kinder and it’s the first time since having children that both my husband and I worked full time (so we hired the most delightful Nanny to help us at home and love our boys #nevergoingback).

Now there is no martyr agenda in writing this article or judgement, we each make our own choices and then work so hard to put all the support we can around us to enable those choices to flourish which was the decision we made in 2018.

As the year comes to an end I have so much that I want to reflect on because I believe in 2019 I can be living smarter…….not working harder or feel like I’m “missing” anything or chasing my tail every day but making conscious and considered choices that benefit me and those around me.

So I am flowing into 2019 from a space of gratitude with a fierce intent to reframe unproductive thinking. As an example, instead of saying “I had a busy day and I’m exhausted”, I will reframe to say “I am so fortunate to have a job I love and where I feel like I make an impact”. Now I know this isn’t going to be easy, our thinking is habitual however what we’re learning today about neuroplasticity is that we can retrain our brain in 30 days. So part of this reframing is writing down this belief and repeating to myself each day when my old thought is triggered which will help to reprogram this belief.

I’m sharing this as I believe it’s important to reflect and reset your own beliefs and thoughts and the end of the year is a great time to do this and move into 2019 with a strong intent.

What’s your intention for 2019?

It doesn’t need to be anything drastic, it can be the simplest of things that has great meaning and impact to you. If you’re not sure, ask yourself these questions and remember this is about your whole life, personal and work:

1. List your top 10 highlights. This can be an accomplishment like a race PR or one of your favorite moments/memories from the year like the family holiday.
2. List your top 5 disappointments. What did you do/not do that bothered you? Was it bailing on a friend in need? Not being able to run the 10kms you set yourself?
3. List your top 3 game changers. What unexpected things came along that changed your priorities? Did you discover a passion for pilates? Find out you were allergic to something and needed to change your diet? Get a new puppy?
4. List 3 things you focused on. See any patterns in your highlights? What are the 3 main areas in your life that you spent the majority of your time on this year?
5. List 3 things you forgot. See any patterns in your disappointments? What are the 3 main areas of your life that you neglected the most?

Lastly, as you review your answers above reflect. What will you change? Let this inform your plans for the new year!