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A graphic of a mandala as part of an article about creative ways to reflect on the year.

When the ‘silly season’ kicks in, it’s often an excellent time to reflect on the year that’s been.

Taking a moment to pause and ponder helps you to set yourself up for the next 12 months.

With that in mind, here are five creative ways to reflect on the year.

 

The word 'reflect' graffitied on a wall.

It’s time to reflect. Credit: Jon Tyson on Unsplash.

1. Draw a Mandala

Famous Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, Carl Jung – who is credited as the founder of analytical psychology – used to draw a mandala each day before he began work.

Mandalas, a revered spiritual guidance tool in Hindu and Buddhist cultures, are considered a great expression of the internal world.

Take a moment to reflect on the year that’s past and then get drawing. The result may surprise you!

 

A mandala drawn on a piece of paper.

Creating a mandala is an excellent starting point. Credit: Swati H. Das on Unsplash.

2. Think of Your Year as a Movie

First of all, consider what genre it would be? Drama? Action? Rom-com?

Next, think about who have been the main characters, your major conflicts, and, of course, the resolutions to your problems.

Ask yourself – were you the main character in your own movie? Be the protagonist of your story. After all, you’re a star!

 

3. Write a Letter to Your Past Self 

Why not narrate your life back to yourself in the form of a letter?

Not only is letter writing a lost art that can be very cathartic, but often it isn’t until we put pen to paper that our ideas and thoughts crystallise.

Pen a letter to yourself from January as if you were writing to an old friend, recounting the major life events that have taken place and your plans for the future.

 

Person preparing to write in a notepad.

Dear, past you. From, present you. Credit: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash.

4. Consider Your Achievements

A great way to reflect on the year is to meditate – whether it be over a few days or just by taking 30 minutes to pause.

If you want to meditate with the past year in mind, there is a popular technique that you can adopt.

On the first day of meditation, begin by thinking about what you did the day before. The following day, think about the week prior. The next day, think about the month prior. Then, on the last day, think about the year that’s been. Many people use this technique to reflect upon many years earlier.

A great time to conduct this thought-exercise is while lying in your bed before you go to sleep.

 

5. Throw Away What You Don’t Need

Our last tip about creative ways to reflect on the year involves getting rid of what you don’t need.

This can be physical items, negative thoughts, or relationships that no longer serve you.

Sure, donate those clothes that have been sitting in your wardrobe all year – but what about those pesky thoughts and people that don’t make you feel good about yourself?

Write down all the things you would like to remove from your life in the new year on separate pieces of paper. Now, get rid of them in a ceremonious way.

This can be by burning them (safely!) or ripping them up into tiny pieces and discarding them. Freedom!

Sometimes, we just need to look back and find ways to reflect on the past year to feel fully prepared to face the new one head on, feeling refreshed.

And with a refreshed mind, you’ll be able to work better.

 

Person sorting through a pile of clothes.

Discard what you don’t need, whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. Credit: Sarah Brown on Unsplash.

Reflect on the Year at Any Time

Whether you’re reading this as you reflect on the year, or at the start of a year, or somewhere in between, there is no bad time to reach out to the team at Hunt & Hawk.

We’re experts in sales, marketing, and branding and have been helping organisations grow for years.

Get in touch with us at dare@huntandhawk.com or book a time to chat.

For more marketing and tech news, tips, insights, and plenty else, keep exploring our blog or follow Hunt and Hawk on LinkedIn