Pause for a Different Perspective this December

As the year ends, we’re flooded with reminders to reflect on our accomplishments, extract lessons, and set goals for the next 12 months. This pattern of relentless review and planning often leaves us focused on ‘doing’ more and achieving more. I’ve advocated for this approach myself in the past.

But this December, I invite you to pause. Instead of focusing on what to do next, let’s explore how to be—a shift from planning external achievements to deepening our internal awareness.

Consider this: you are unique in this world, with a mind, life, and character that has never existed before and will never exist again. You are valuable beyond measure. Each of us is a gift to the world, with unique talents, skills, attitudes, and brilliance that are all waiting to be released for the benefit of us all. Reflecting on this uniqueness can lead to deeper questions:

• How much ease, pleasure, and creativity am I allowing into my life?
• How can I release more of this valuable human being—myself—into the world?

This shift moves us from a frantic state of external evaluation to a conscious state of inner alignment.

The Pressure of ‘Doing’

In today’s world, productivity has become a badge of honour. Success is measured  by how much we’ve achieved, how busy we’ve been, and how many goals we’ve ticked off. The end-of-year review can feel like an extension of this, fuelling the pressure to do even more in the year ahead.

But how often do we pause to ask: What is all this effort for? Are we truly expressing who we are and what we believe is valuable, or are we merely chasing the next target?

A Call to Consciousness

What if this time of year became an opportunity to reconnect with our values—the core principles and qualities that define who we are? Values act as our internal compass, shaping our decisions, building connections in relationships, and determining how we show up in the world.

Instead of asking, What did I achieve? try asking:

• What moments this year reflected my best self?
• What created the most joy?
• Where did I act in alignment with my values?
• Where do I find the most fulfilment?
• What does being true to myself mean?

Appreciating the Qualities of Being

When we focus on being, we prioritize qualities over accomplishments. Consider qualities like kindness, compassion, courage, empathy, and authenticity. These are the traits that define not just a successful life, but a meaningful one.

Take time to reflect:

• How have I shown kindness to myself and others this year?
• Did I approach challenges with courage and compassion?
• What was difficult and will I give myself permission to stop doing it?
• What mind shifts can I make to see a brighter, more constructive world? 
• How can I deepen my connections with others in the year ahead?
• How can I nurture more joy, creativity, and ease in my life?

Practical Steps for a Conscious Year-End

Create Space for Stillness: Set aside uninterrupted time for quiet reflection. Step away from screens and distractions to allow your thoughts to settle. Spend time in nature to align your internal natural state with it.

Journal with Intention: Write about the values that matter most to you and moments when you embodied them. Give recognition and celebrate yourself as your conscious awareness grows.

Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you’re thankful for, focusing on experiences and relationships rather than accomplishments.

Set Values-Based Intentions: Instead of rigid goals, choose a few guiding values for the coming year. For example: “I will be kind to myself and listen to my inner needs” “I will prioritize honesty in my interactions” or “I will nurture compassion for myself and others.” 

Celebrate Growth: Acknowledge how far you’ve come—not in terms of achievements, but in the ways you’ve grown as a human being.

Conclusion: A New Alignment

As we move towards 2025, let’s shift the narrative. Let’s accept that who we are is enough, that we are marvellous expressions of the divine; we don’t need to change, that we are growing naturally to be better human beings, not just more productive ones.

The beauty of this approach is that it’s not about perfection or ticking boxes. It’s about natural progress and presence, embracing the qualities that make life truly fulfilling.

So, this December, pause. Reflect not on what you’ve done, but on who you’ve been—and who you wish to be.

11 December 2024