As the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the journey you’ve undertaken and the accomplishments you’ve achieved. This End of the Year Inventory is not just about tallying up professional milestones but delving into the holistic view of your life. In this article, we’ll explore ways to express gratitude for your achievements and introduce the concept of holistic health, using the Life Balance Wheel as a valuable tool for self-assessment.
Expressing Gratitude for Achievements
Before delving into the details of the past year, take a moment to express gratitude for what you’ve accomplished. Gratitude can be a powerful tool for mental health, helping to shift focus from what’s lacking to what has been achieved. Consider creating a list of your accomplishments, both big and small, and acknowledging the efforts you’ve put into them.
Whether it’s completing a work project, maintaining meaningful relationships, or achieving personal goals, recognizing, and expressing gratitude for these achievements can contribute positively to your overall well-being. Share your successes with trusted friends, family, or colleagues, fostering a sense of pride and connection.
Understanding Holistic Health
Holistic health involves considering the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It recognizes the interconnectedness of different aspects of life and emphasizes the importance of balance for overall well-being. When assessing your achievements, it’s crucial to look beyond professional success and consider how various areas of your life contribute to your overall happiness and fulfillment.
Utilizing the Life Balance Wheel
The Life Balance Wheel is a valuable tool for gaining insights into different areas of your life. Divided into segments representing key aspects such as career, relationships, health, personal growth, etc., the wheel provides a visual representation of the balance—or imbalance—in these areas.
- Career: Reflect on your professional achievements and satisfaction. Are you content with your career progress? Are there aspects you’d like to improve in the coming year?
- Relationships: Consider the quality of your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Are there connections that need nurturing? How can you strengthen your support system?
- Health: Assess your physical and mental well-being. Are you engaging in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle? Are there areas where you can prioritize self-care?
- Personal Growth: Reflect on your personal development throughout the year. Have you pursued opportunities for learning and self-improvement? What goals can you set for continuous growth?
A Life Balance wheel has been included at the end of this article with instructions if you would like to utilize this tool in its original form.
Creating a Holistic Action Plan
Armed with insights from the Life Balance Wheel, you can now create a holistic action plan for the upcoming year. Identify areas that require attention and set realistic goals for improvement. Remember that achieving balance is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to recalibrate your priorities as life evolves.
The End of the Year Inventory is not just a retrospective exercise but a proactive step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future. By expressing gratitude for your achievements, understanding the concept of holistic health, and using tools like the Life Balance Wheel, you empower yourself to navigate the complexities of life with resilience and purpose. As we bid farewell to the current year, let’s welcome the new one with a renewed commitment to our well-being and a vision for a balanced and fulfilling life. If you enjoy this exercise and want to bring more attention to living a holistically balanced life in your workplace, Capital EAP has a training on Work-Life Balance that is excellent for exploring these topics as a group! Also, if you would like assistance in assessing your achievements and creating a holistic action plan for the new year do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are happy to help. Call us at 518-465-3813 to schedule an appointment with a counselor who can assist you with your self-discovery journey.
By Denelle Abel, LMHC, SAP