Reflecting on the Past Year: Better Choices for the New Year

Many of us consider the New Year to be a time for new beginnings, making resolutions for a better year in the hope of accomplishing valued goals. However, the enthusiasm associated with a fresh start wanes as soon as the goals appear difficult to accomplish, usually due to a lack of planning, commitment, or competing interests. Therefore, it is important to use systematic reflection as a tool to inspire self-improvement. 

As the current year draws to a close, it is an opportune time to delve into the depths of our experiences to objectively evaluate what went well, what needs to be changed, and how to make better choices for the upcoming year. With enough time to analyze momentous events and profound experiences from the past year, we will be able to determine how they align with our values, goals, and purpose of our lives. This in turn will enable us to create a more viable plan for change.  

What is the Importance of Reflecting on the Past Year?

Deep reflective thought is one of the most potent life transformation tools. Its power arises from the constant repetition of a thought. Due to a lack of awareness of its potential, we do not sufficiently utilize it to promote change. If applied correctly, reflection will enable us to cultivate gratitude, humility, and a deeper understanding of how to make better choices and decisions to improve the future. As Swamiji profoundly stated, “First, we make the choices and then the choices we have made, make us.” 

The past is not merely a collection of moments but a reservoir of wisdom waiting to be tapped. By reflecting on the thoughts that motivated past actions and influenced our choices, we can position ourselves to become more aware of the mistakes not to be repeated. Such awareness can become a compass to guide us forward and amplify the positive. In the sacred space of reflection, we can connect with our higher selves to make more conscious, purposeful, and discrimination-based decisions. As Shree Krishna explained to Arjun: 

प्रवृत्तिंच निवृत्तिं च कार्याकार्ये भयाभये |
बन्धं मोक्षं च या वेत्तिबुद्धि: सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी || 30||

pravrittim cha nivrittim cha karyakarye bhayabhaye
bandham moksham cha ya vetti buddhih sa partha sattviki

The intellect is said to be in the nature of goodness, O Parth, when it understands what is proper action and improper action, what is duty and non-duty, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating. (BG 18.30)

• Did I live the past year in accordance with the annual goal?
• What were the most memorable experiences of the past year? 
• Which choices resulted in positive experiences?
• What challenges made the past year truly difficult to navigate?
• What lessons did I learn from these experiences? 
• How did the challenges help me to grow?
• Of all the experiences in the past year, which ones am I most grateful for?
• Which of my beliefs was challenged that I need to discard now?
• Did I make good or productive use of my time?

A deep reflection on these questions will enable us to have a better year ahead.

How can Reflecting on the Past Year Shape the Upcoming Year?

The insights gained through reflection become the building blocks for shaping the upcoming year. By acknowledging the areas that require growth and understanding, we can set realistic goals and intentions. Our goals become more than mere resolutions; they become purified intentions that carry the transformative energy needed to manifest our highest potential. It is then that the results of our efforts also become pure. As Shree Krishna explained to Arjun:

कर्मण: सुकृतस्याहु: सात्त्विकं निर्मलं फलम् |
रजसस्तु फलं दु:खमज्ञानं तमस: फलम् || 16||

karmanah sukritasyahuh sattvikam nirmalam phalam
rajasas tu phalam duhkham ajnanam tamasah phalam

It is said the fruit of actions performed in the mode of goodness bestow pure results. Actions done in the mode of passion result in pain, while those performed in the mode of ignorance result in darkness. (BG 14.16)

As we look back, we gain clarity on what truly matters, allowing us to focus on the valued goal and purpose of life. The accomplishments inspire confidence, while the challenges ignite resilience. Through reflection, we identify patterns and behaviors that no longer serve our highest purpose. Armed with this self-awareness, we embark on the upcoming year with a conscious commitment to change. 

A sincere desire for inner transformation is founded on the hope and faith that the ever-benevolent God enables devotees to reform even after they act in offensive ways. Swamiji so beautifully said, “Hopelessness is disrespect to God who has blessed us with an incredible number of graces.” The key is that transformation needs to take place via the medium of devotion. As Shree Krishna explains:

अपि चेत्सुदुराचारो भजते मामनन्यभाक् |
साधुरेव स मन्तव्य: सम्यग्व्यवसितो हि स: || 30||

api chet su-duracharo bhajate mam ananya-bhak
sadhur eva sa mantavyah samyag vyavasito hi sah

Even if the vilest sinners worship Me with exclusive devotion, they are to be considered righteous because they have made the proper resolve. (BG 9.30)

From this perspective, reflection acts as a bridge between the past and the future. After evaluating the past year’s experiences, we can visualize the path ahead from a unique vantage point. The critical questions to address are:

• How will my life’s priorities change as a result of my learned experiences?
• What will I do differently to increase the positive experiences in life?
• What specific mistakes do I need to prevent consciously and intentionally?
• How will I navigate challenges differently when they appear unexpectedly in life?
• What will I do differently to consistently make better choices in my daily life? 
• What specific beliefs and attitudes do I need to eject from my mind?
• What “baggage” do I need to leave behind in order to move forward?
• What is the source of my motivation to transform from within? 

When we recognize the factors that prevented success in the previous year, the lessons learned will guide our actions for improved decision-making in the future. 

How can We make Intentional Choices for a Better Year?

Intentional living is the cornerstone of a spiritually fulfilling life. To make intentional choices, our actions must be aligned with our core values and spiritual principles. This alignment serves as a compass that guides us when we need to make decisions (Bhagavad Gita 16.30).

An action plan to transform from within is founded on knowledge, a mindset of abundance, gratitude, and compassion. Anticipating the future requires a deep understanding of our values, aspirations, and spiritual principles that guide our journey. Then, armed with proper consciousness, enthusiasm, and determination, we forge ahead with a strategic plan for change. As Shree Krishna explained to Arjun:

मुक्तसङ्गोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वित: |
सिद्ध्यसिद्ध्योर्निर्विकार: कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते || 26||

mukta-sango ‘naham-vadi dhrity-utsaha-samanvitah
siddhy-asiddhyor nirvikarah karta sattvika uchyate

The performer is said to be in the mode of goodness, when he or she is free from egotism and attachment, endowed with enthusiasm and determination, and equipoised in success and failure. (BG 18.26)

• Make a list of life’s priorities for 2024 based on my learned experiences.
• Make an action plan to increase the positive experiences in life.
• Make an action plan to prevent serious mistakes made in the past year.
• Make an action plan to manage unexpected challenges in life.
• Make an action plan to consistently make better choices in my daily life.
• Make an action plan to eject false beliefs and negative attitudes from my mind.
• Make an action plan to let go of the “baggage” to move forward with hope and inspiration.
• Make an action plan to remain cognizant of the source of motivation for inner transformation.
• Make an action plan to record daily progress, asses wins and failures, and apply the lessons learned on a regular basis.

All the reflection questions and points for creating an action plan are available below in the section on “Tools for Personal Growth.”