Reflection Over Resolutions: Why Looking Back Helps You Move Forward

"Goals without reflection are like maps without a starting point."

Reflection Over Resolutions: Why Looking Back Helps You Move Forward

Every year, right around this time, it happens. The buzz about resolutions starts swirling in our conversations, our social feeds, and even in our quiet moments alone. “New year, new you!” we hear, like a siren call to start fresh, get busy, and accomplish all the things. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good goal. I’m a huge fan of dreaming big, planning ahead, and aiming higher. But I’ve also learned this truth:

Goals without reflection are like maps without a starting point.

We get so caught up in the excitement of where we want to go that we forget to acknowledge how far we’ve already come. Or even more importantly—we skip over understanding the why behind where we are right now. Reflection isn’t about living in the past; it’s about learning from it.

So, before you set a single shiny new goal for the coming year, I invite you to pause. Slow down. Take a deep breath and reflect.

Why Reflection Matters More Than Resolutions

Reflection is a powerful tool for growth because it gives you insight. It allows you to see what worked, what didn’t, and where you may have drifted off course. More importantly, it helps you reconnect with who you are and who you’re becoming.

Think about it: How often do we set resolutions without really thinking about whether those goals align with the person we want to be? It’s like putting on someone else’s shoes and wondering why they don’t quite fit.

If we focus on the type of person we want to be, the "doing" becomes so much clearer.

Instead of making resolutions to “work out more” or “be more organized,” what if you reflected on becoming someone who values their health or someone who embraces structure because it gives them peace? When we focus on being, the actions (and goals) that align with that identity naturally fall into place.

4 Steps to Reflect Before You Reset

Grab a journal, a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in. These questions will guide your reflection and help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence:

1. What worked this year?

Start with the wins, no matter how big or small. What are you proud of? What habits, choices, or relationships brought you joy, progress, or growth? Sometimes we’re so focused on what didn’t go right that we miss celebrating what did.

Example: Maybe you stuck with a morning routine for half the year, or you showed up consistently for someone you love. That’s worth celebrating!

2. What didn’t work?

This isn’t about shame or regret—it’s about honesty. Where did you struggle? What choices, patterns, or distractions held you back? Be gentle with yourself as you answer. Remember, awareness is the first step toward change.

Example: Maybe you overcommitted and felt burned out, or you avoided tackling a big goal out of fear. That’s okay—this is your chance to learn and adjust.

3. Who were you this year?

Take an honest look at the version of yourself you showed up as. Were you bold? Hesitant? Kind? Distracted? Resilient? There’s no wrong answer here. Just notice.

Example: “This year, I was someone who tried new things but still doubted myself at times. I was someone who showed up for others but forgot to take care of my own needs.”

4. Who do you want to be moving forward?

Now, the fun part. Dream a little. Think about the version of yourself you want to embody in the year ahead. What values will guide your choices? What traits do you want to lean into? When you focus on being this person, the goals you set will feel more natural and aligned.

Example: “I want to be someone who shows up with courage and consistency. I want to be a person who values my health, sets boundaries, and trusts myself to follow through.”

Change Starts With Who You Are, Not Just What You Do

Here’s the truth I want you to carry into the new year:

You have the ability to change.

You are not stuck, and you are not defined by the struggles of this year. Growth doesn’t come from a single resolution scribbled on January 1st—it comes from small, intentional choices rooted in who you want to be.

So reflect on the lessons, the wins, the hard moments, and the breakthroughs. Hold space for gratitude, grace, and honesty. And as you step into the new year, don’t just reset—realign.

Because when you focus on becoming the person you were created to be, everything else will follow.

Your Turn

Before you rush into 2025 with a list of goals, I encourage you to reflect. Share your thoughts in the comments or write them down in a journal. What did you learn this year? Who do you want to be moving forward? I’d love to hear about your journey.

Here’s to a year of reflection, growth, and becoming the best version of you.

You’ve got this!

Written by the team at A Higher Way Of Living