The Questions That Shape Your Next Year
Every January, there's a cultural push to “set goals” and “start strong”. But if you've been on the path of intentional living for a while, you know that speed doesn't always equal alignment and that the new year is one of many times when you can pause, reflect, and/or reset.
I’ve found that the most meaningful shifts rarely start with resolutions, they start with reflection. The quality of the questions you ask yourself determines the quality of what you create next.
So instead of asking, “what do I want to achieve this year?”, try asking, “what do I want to experience, who do I want to be while doing it, and how do I want to feel?”
Before you look ahead, look back
Start by reflecting on the year behind you, not to judge it, but to learn from it.
A few prompts to consider:
What surprised me most about this past year (about myself, my relationships, my work)?
What drained me more than I expected?
Where did I feel most alive or at ease?
What am I proud of that no one else might have noticed?
What lesson do I keep relearning that I might finally be ready to embody?
This reflection is about harvesting the wisdom of the past so you don't carry unnecessary weight into what's next.
Now, look ahead (gently)
Instead of rigid goals or “shoulds,” start with vision questions.
What would “enough” look like this year (financially, emotionally, energetically)?
What am I ready to stop proving?
What does success look and feel like in this new season?
Where do I want to create more spaciousness and where am I craving more structure?
Who am I becoming, and what rhythms or boundaries would support that version of me?
You don't need every answer today. You just need to start the conversation with yourself.
A note to consider
Momentum becomes natural when it's rooted in intention, not pressure. I'd suggest refraining from pushing yourself if it's rooted in a voice of not being enough or needing to prove anything.
This year, let your goals be a reflection of your values, not a reaction to comparison. Build from your enough number, not from someone else's finish line.
My invitation is simple:
Take time this week (just you, a pen, and quiet) and ask these questions.
Then, instead of rushing to do more, listen for what's ready to unfold.