7 Winter-Themed Reflection and Decision-Making Exercises for Self-Assessment
PURPOSESCAPING serves as my fundament for guiding my coaching sessions aimed at high achievers. This framework shares a tenuous resemblance to the agricultural tasks carried out in the Southeast part of the USA, where my roots were established.
Based on this model, the winter season represent a time for self-reflection, decision-making, and rest. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint the right starting point for such introspection.
Hereby, I have crafted 7 journal prompts to assist you with your winter introspection and decision-making process.
Journal Prompt 1 - What achieved success in this period?
This is an opportunity to be genuinely honest with yourself and acknowledge the victories. What instances surprised you? What turned out to be a blessing in disguise this year? Perhaps there was an unexpected project at work or a trip with your family that cultivated family bonding and engagements at home. Explore the elements that contributed to your success so you can recognize and appreciate them.
Prompt 2 for Journaling - What fueled me this year?
You could rephrase this question as what invigorated me this year? Your energy and emotions are your most authentic guides, so make use of them to detect your areas of harmony. Use your vitality and emotions to chart a path for what you want to experience more of in the coming year.
Journaling Prompt 3 - What do I wish to preserve?
Keep in mind that even though something functions efficiently, it does not always necessitate inclusion in your life. As seasons change, certain activities may lose their relevance. If you have things that continue to function positively in your life and you aspire to preserve and carry them forward to the upcoming year, document them. Bear in mind that while something can still be useful for others, it may not resonate with you, and consequently, you may choose to let it go.
Journaling Prompt 4 - What has run its course?
What no longer serves you adequately? This is your chance to be brutally honest and acknowledge what no longer functions favorably. Something could work well for someone else, but it may no longer be beneficial for you. This could encompass your professional role, job, or relationships. Be sincere with yourself and acknowledge what no longer aligns with your needs.
Journaling Prompt 5 - What do I wish to depart from?
What aspect of your life, brand, or career do you plan to relinquish? Perhaps certain services no longer inspire you to offer to your clients, or a professional ladder that no longer motivates you to ascend because reaching the summit no longer holds appeal for you. Clearing your intentions of what you wish to leave behind will create room for new endeavors.
Journaling Prompt 6 - What do I crave more of?
Acknowledging your yearnings and what is missing to make your life complete can be challenging. However, it is one of the quickest ways to pinpoint which strategic actions you need to take to align with your most authentic self. Your cravings could include anything from more career success and recognition to more fun, travel, adventure, connection, community, or even rest. Be radically honest about what you wish to experience more.
Journaling Prompt 7 - What seeds do I intend to sow in the upcoming spring planting season?
After winter comes spring, and according to PURPOSESCAPING, winter is the time to make decisions about what you will sow in the spring. In terms of your life, this signifies what goals you will focus on, what will you initiate? What will you invest new energy into in the hope of growth throughout the year? Perhaps your dream is to publish a book. If that is the case, your spring planting work may be brainstorming your book idea or creating a book proposal and making sense of what the book is about before you begin writing. Reminder, the fall harvest of any significant project begins with a seed. Now is an excellent time to decide which seeds you will plant come spring.
After experiencing 'burnout' due to the intense pace of high achiever coaching sessions, taking some time for 'end of year journaling' using these journal prompts can be beneficial. The 'winter' season, with its introspective nature, offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on 'purposescaping' and make necessary adjustments. Using these prompts, one can identify what has 'fueled' them throughout the year, what needs to be 'preserved' or 'departed from', and what 'seeds' they wish to 'sow' in the upcoming 'spring planting season'. The journaling process can also help prevent the 'end of year burnout' and ensure a more balanced and fulfilling start to the new year.
