At the beginning of every new year, most of us make new goals and resolutions. We all want to break habits that we no longer want. Breaking the habits that are holding us back is no easy task. We have a desire to be better and do bigger things. In reality we want to add hope to our lives that things can get better. John Maxwell once said, “Hope in the future gives you power in the present.” I want to share with you a little exercise that has meant much more to me than any New Year’s Resolutions that I have ever made.

My Personal Year-end Review

Many events and happenings can take place in our lives in the matter of 12 months. If we just aimlessly go through life and never take some time to reflect,  then we will continue to make the same bad mistakes over and over again. This process is more then just feeling guilty for the past, but it is empowering you to make better choices in the future. Doing a personal year-end review is an opportunity for you to take a personal inventory, add everything up and see how you did. Take out 3 sheets of paper and make three lists.

1. Make a list of the greatest personal events of the year

Sit down with your spouse if you need to and record at least 10 great happenings in your personal life. It can be associated with money, health, relationships, and work. Did you finally pay off a debt that has been dragging you down? Did you make a smart choice with your money? Did you finally do something that you have been avoiding? Even if you feel like you have had a rough 12 months, I guarantee there will be things on your list that will make you smile. Maybe you took action on your health and realized the benefits of morning walk or exercise.

2. Make a list of the greatest lessons learned this year

On the second sheet of paper, record some of the lessons you have learned this year. This is not just about re-hashing your failures, but recording on paper the valuable lessons that you have learned and want to remember for this new year. It truly is taking the bad things in your life and turning them into good. Lessons are not only learned in our failures but in our successes too. Do your best to record at least ten items.

3. Make a list of gratitude

I believe that before you ever set new goals in life you should write a grateful list. I love setting goals but here is what I have come to realize: setting goals focuses my mind on what I lack. I am not saying that you should never have personal goals, but that you should just keep it in perspective. Take the time to first focus your mind on all the things that are going right in your life. Even in the middle of tough circumstances, I bet you can point to times where God showed up in your life at just the right moment. Write a quick list about the things you are grateful for in your life.

Now, you should have three great lists that shows you just how valuable the last 12 months have been in your life. Look over the many blessings. Ponder the lessons that need to be internalized. Look to the future with arms wide open.