A year in review

After a year of all years, there is much to reflect on, consider and learn from that can benefit us as we enter into a fresh New Year. 

There are a number of ways in which reflecting on events can be beneficial – in order to learn, grow, and gain an understanding of the world around us and how we fit into it. We can utilise this practice of self-awareness when making future decisions and setting new goals for ourselves in order to develop and build the lives we want. 

Acknowledge your successes

It would be easy for many of us to dismiss what we have achieved this year as it may feel we have been unable to make much progress at all – but, maybe without even realising it, we will have overcome many obstacles and challenges that we can be proud of. And even those moments that didn’t go quite so well can be used in our personal development and learning for the future.

It is important to look back and recognise the things you have accomplished – even the little, seemingly insignificant things – as a positive lens can make all the difference in driving you forwards.

“People who succeed have momentum. The more they succeed, the more they want to succeed, and the more they find a way to succeed. Similarly, when someone is failing, the tendency is to get on a downward spiral that can even become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Tony Robbins

So as we come to the end of what has been by most accounts, a rollercoaster of a year, we encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on 2020 with this little activity. Whether you choose to write your answers down in a journal, record your thoughts in a voice memo or just talk them out with a friend, we invite you to join us in our ‘a year in review’.

Practice gratitude

Easier said than done, we know. With so many curve balls having been thrown the last year, you may find it tricky to pinpoint things to be grateful for, but we promise, they will be there. Whether it is being grateful for a newfound appreciation for the little joys in life that may have been previously overlooked, or for discovering a deeper understanding for your own strength and capability, there will be silver linings we can be grateful for. Try to list 3-5 things in the last year that you are thankful for – no matter how big or small. 

Consider the challenges you have overcome

The next topic to ponder is challenges and hurdles – and we all know we are in no shortage of these! But in this activity, we would like you to reflect on the hardships this year has presented, and the actions you have taken to overcome them. Have you had to adapt to working from home? Have you had to learn how to cope with stress? Or have you had to navigate some form of new normal? Overcoming any of the obstacles thrown your way this year is an achievement and deserves recognition. Acknowledge at least three things you have managed to tackle this year and give yourself a big old pat on the back (if not a bigger reward!). 

What lessons have you learned?

This is an important one – as it is from tackling new challenges that we learn and grow as individuals. We can carry the lessons we have learned this year into the rest of our lives as we get a little older and wiser. 

So what lessons have you learned this year? Have you discovered that alcohol doesn’t actually help you to relax? Have you learned a new skill, like cooking or gardening? Have you learned that you are more resilient than you previously gave yourself credit for? Take a few minutes to mull over some of the things that this year has taught you about either yourself or the world around you.

What goals can you set for yourself for the next year?

So having looked back upon the last year, are there any things you wish to achieve in 2021? As we have all come to realise, it is impossible to predict what will happen in the future, but we can still set ourselves goals in order to keep progressing. If you are new to OYNB, you may decide to try an alcohol-free challenge and find out how being alcohol-free could transform your life. If you have already been through an alcohol-free challenge, you could set your sights on the next big personal development goal (if you are unsure how to go about this, check out our MasterMind course, that is exactly what we created it to help you do!). Either way, the power is in your hands and together we can strive to make 2021 a brilliant year. 

A final thank you

Before we sign off for the year, a final word of thanks. OYNB has been built on the determination and momentum of our community in the pursuit of living life better and we as an organisation would be nowhere without the support of our members. You have allowed us to reach people far and wide to offer support and guidance to those seeking to change their relationship with alcohol, and for that, we are truly grateful. We hope 2021 proves to be a fruitful year, and we can’t wait to see what we can all achieve in the coming months.

 

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