Self-love: How your very personal review of the year strengthens you

self love
How your very personal review of the year strengthens you

In autumn, we automatically think about all the things that still have to be done before the year is over. And most of the time we’re depressed: there’s no way we’ll be able to finish many projects – and there’s always something new being added.

Look back instead of forward

Stop! In autumn we should stop thinking further and further ahead, always charging ourselves more. We should start to rejoice in the things that have already been achieved this year. In the big and small successes, which are also there. This is good for the soul and self-esteem.

How it works? Quite simply: Let’s not turn our attention to everything that is still to come. Instead, we look at what has grown and become this year. Which smaller and bigger professional successes could we collect? What beautiful moments added a bit of glitter to our year? Where did we develop personally?

5 tips for a review that makes our successes visible and increases our self-esteem

1. The job

Think about the beginning of the year and ask yourself: What projects and plans were there at the start? What ideas have I “sown”? And then look: What has already grown? And what have I contributed to it? Which ideas or projects have taken root? What fruits are there to harvest? One thing is clear: we will almost never look back on a completely finished project. And of course, success almost never belongs to us alone. But this is about appreciating the fruits of your labor. Even if you “only” contributed a partial step or ensured the positive atmosphere in the team meetings, this is a harvest that you can reap.

2. Personal development

We all always think of something that we would like to change about ourselves. Breaking bad habits and such. In doing so, we often overlook what we achieve on the level of personal development. So ask yourself: What is easier for me on a personal level today than at the beginning of the year? Perhaps you have become more patient or can deal with conflicts better? Maybe you take money more seriously or the environment? Where did you develop personally? And how has this made your life better?

3. Relationships

Ask yourself: What beautiful encounters have you had this year? How have they enriched your life? Maybe you’ll recall the most beautiful encounters in your mind’s eye. So you can enjoy the fun girlfriend evening or the great hike with the neighbor again.

Our brain is really a great partner because it gives us the same feelings of happiness, whether we remember beautiful things or actually experience them.

Perhaps you are also asking yourself: What encounter or friendship are you particularly grateful for?

4. Glitter

Every year has glitter. EVERY. It is up to us to notice and appreciate the great moments of the year. What were your glitter moments in 2022? Sometimes the memory of the holiday glitters in the course of the year. But the apple harvest in the allotment garden can also be such a glittering moment. An invitation, a concert, a sunrise… You can also take a look at your cell phone photos. We often captured the glittering moments.

5. Wealth

It’s clear you’re not rich. Not in the traditional sense. But every year we learn something that enriches us. For example, that nature makes us happy. Or that a colleague is much nicer than we thought. Or we make decisions that make our lives more harmonious and somehow richer. We pay more attention to sustainability or have learned to sew. What have you learned this year that pays into your inner wealth? Which decisions have made your life more coherent?

Tip: Carola Kleinschmidt has the annual companion 2023 “work healthier. Live better” Written for more joie de vivre and serenity. With a calendar and 52 weekly tasks, color illustrations and photos (20 euros, can be ordered at www.dein-gutes-jahr.de).

Bridget