It’s the end of the month, and almost the end of this financial year…where has the time gone?! This is a good time to check in with yourself and take stock.
1 Where did you think you’d be by now?
You might have started the year all starry eyed and full of dreams. Or you might have dragged yourself into 2025 dreading more of the same. Either way, it’s a good opportunity to remember what you thought you would achieve by mid-year. Has it panned out in the way you expected? If not, what has happened to bring you where you are today?
2 What have you tried so far?
Were you full of plans and innovative new ways to make progress? Did they work? If not, why? Are there still things you want to implement? But more importantly, what have you learned about yourself? Tap into the anticipation and energy you had in January and revise your progress.
3 What has failed?
I heard someone say recently that we rarely say we are grateful for the things that have gone badly, for the mistakes, for the failures. The disappointments can hold treasure – things to learn, lessons to take into the next phase, gold to pass onto other people who are on the same path as you. Failure can be a gift – if we view it that way.
4 Failure is not the end, it can be the beginning
At the end of the month – or even in the middle of the year – all is not lost. It’s not too late. You haven’t missed out. There’s plenty of time to tweak what you’re already doing – you may not need a complete overhaul. However, if you don’t pause to review, nothing will change. If you don’t take stock at the end of the month, next month will likely hold more of the same.
5 What has gone well?
It’s unusual for EVERYTHING to go badly all at once. Cultivate the skill of finding the bright spots. A daily practice of naming 3 things you’re grateful for each evening can really change your mindset. Additionally, celebrate the wins. Big, or small, they are all signs of progress and demonstrations of your strengths.
For those who entered this year with low energy and little hope, it’s not too late for you. Addressing why this is the case and forming a plan to move forward can be done. Accessing the support of people who see the potential in you and your situation is a good first step. Keep things manageable; baby steps are the way to go.
The end of the month, the end of the year, the end of the season, the end of a plan, are all new beginnings in disguise. Seize the day and take the opportunity to review where you are and where you want to be. It’s not too late.
