The Power of Reflection: How Looking Back Helps You Move Forward
Writers don’t thrive without readers, and I want to take a moment to thank each one of you. Whether you realise it or not, you’ve made this year meaningful for me.
When a writer shares a message, and that message resonates or helps a reader in any way, it’s nothing short of magical. Writers and readers engage in a profound exchange—an intricate dance of meaning-making and connection. This exchange has the power to transform, and it’s this process that has shaped me into who I am today. Through reading the words of others, my own life has been deeply enriched.
“Reflection connects who you were, who you are, and who you’re becoming.”
As I reflect on 2024, I’m filled with immense gratitude. I’ve shown up each week to share my thoughts and connect with you, and you’ve shown up to read them. Thank you. Writing for me is more than just self-expression—it’s an act of service. My intention has always been to empower readers to recognize their agency and explore how we co-create ourselves and the cultures we inhabit.
Writing is also a form of reflection for me. It allows me to process my own experiences while offering you tools to make sense of yours. Reflection positions us to grow and become the best versions of ourselves.
This time of the year is the perfect time to pause, take a breath, and reflect: How did I get here? Maybe your year was a whirlwind of wins, challenges, and surprises. Or perhaps it felt stagnant, like running in place. Whatever your journey looked like, reflection helps make sense of it all—and allows you to grow into the person you’re meant to be.
I’ll admit: I used to skip this step. The end of the year would come, and I’d dive straight into setting ambitious goals for the next one without pausing to think about the lessons of the past 12 months. But without reflection, I missed out on invaluable insights—the lessons hidden in successes and the wisdom buried in struggles.
Now, I intentionally take time to review my year—not in a checklist way, but in a how-did-this-change-me kind of way. Let’s explore how reflecting on your year can fuel self-awareness and growth, setting the stage for a more intentional life.
Celebrate Your Wins
Let’s start with the good stuff—your wins. Big or small, they matter. One of mine this year? I finally said “yes” to an opportunity that scared me. It was something I’d avoided for ages because I didn’t feel “ready.” It turned out to be messy, imperfect—and completely worth it. I grew so much just by showing up and taking the leap.
Now it’s your turn. What were your wins this year? Maybe it was landing a new job, building a habit, or simply making it through tough days. Whatever it was, celebrate it. Every step forward counts.
Acknowledge the Challenges
Of course, the year wasn’t all smooth sailing. Challenges often teach us more than our wins do.
One of my toughest moments? Saying “yes” too often left me physically and emotionally drained. I ended up battling a lingering illness that derailed my work for weeks. It was frustrating, but it also forced me to reassess my priorities and focus on what truly matters.
What challenges did you face this year? How did they shape you? Reflection isn’t about self-criticism—it’s about understanding how these moments made you stronger or more resilient.
Unearth the Lessons
This is where the magic of reflection happens. It’s not just about replaying events—it’s about learning from them.
For me, this year’s lessons were about boundaries and opportunities. Saying “yes” to everything left me burned out, so I’m now practicing the art of the strategic “no.” At the same time, embracing new opportunities—like starting Culture Shapers—was the realization of a long-held goal: to highlight everyday people doing extraordinary things by making significant contributions to society and culture. It’s been such a meaningful experience for me and each Culture Shaper!
What lessons did this year teach you? Consider what worked, what didn’t, and how these lessons can guide you. The answers are already within you—you just need to give them space to surface.
Take Stock of Where You Are
Now’s the time to ask the big question: Where am I in my life? Are you happy with the direction you’re heading, or does something feel off? Are you building a life you’ll look back on with pride, or are you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you?
Be honest with yourself. Some answers may feel reassuring, while others might be uncomfortable. Even the hard truths are valuable—they point the way forward.
Use Reflection to Pivot
Reflection isn’t about dwelling on the past—it’s about using it to shape your future.
What’s next for you? How can you take what you’ve learned and pivot toward a more aligned, intentional life? For me, this means focusing on what truly lights me up—even if it means letting go of what doesn’t.
Take a moment to consider how you’ll use this year’s insights to fuel your next chapter. The clarity you’ll gain is worth it.
The Final Thought
Reflection is about awareness. It’s about pausing to honour how far you’ve come, make sense of where you are, and recalibrate for where you want to go.
So grab a notebook, find a quiet corner, and ask yourself: What did this year teach me? You might be surprised by the answers—and inspired by the possibilities they unlock.
Here’s to celebrating how far you’ve come and stepping boldly into who you’re becoming. Stay tuned for The Fulfilled Life: Aligning with What Truly Matters Masterclass in the new year, where we’ll continue inspiring one another to move forward. Until then, reflect, grow, and embrace the life you’re creating.
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About the Author
Lidia Lae, Ph.D., is a writer, psychologist, and speaker, committed to empowering individuals and organisations to build healthier cultures for meaningful contribution.