7 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE A NEW YEAR

I’ve learned a lot of valuable things in my career as a leading photographer. Amongst many things is this one particular thing; call it a superpower if you would. It’s the ability to be in one space, with several things going on, and focus on one specific moment. I carry this thought out so much in my life. So there are many moments, daily, hourly even, that scream for our attention. It is a superpower when you can silence the noise and focus on what you desire to capture. The new year, 2022 is days away; before we enter, take a moment to reflect. Then, you can aim your focus. When the noise is so loud all around you, do you know where you’ve positioned yourself to look, target, and shoot? Here are seven questions I will be simmering in before the coming year; I think they will benefit you to process as well.

What didn’t serve me this year?

Reflect on business and your personal life. Are there areas, people, things that served you no purpose at all? Were there things that made you backtrack? What aspects are you ready to walk away from to focus and aim for a better year?

When did I feel most at peace and alive?

Pay close attention to the moments and details of 2021. What specific times do you remember feeling alive? Those are clear signs that it’s essential to find more of those moments in the new year, 2022. We often don’t believe we deserve a fulfilling life, but we do. Cling tightly to the moments that make you feel alive and at peace with who you are and what you’re becoming.

What area needs growth that is worth investing in the new year?

If you desire to grow in any aspect of your career/life, you must be intentional and focused on developing in that area. I often think of weight lifters who focus on a muscle to build and see results. What muscle is currently weak that you need to strengthen? What area needs the most growth in which you’re willing and ready to invest time, energy, and finances?

Red Flags, what are they?

We all know our red flags; what are they? List them specifically. It could be distractions in your life or specific triggers that make you go backward. Whatever it is, what areas will you focus on becoming aware of so that it doesn’t detour you from where you’re aiming? Are you prepared to notice them and walk away so they don’t affect your future?

Am I doing what I love?

Are you doing what you love and loving what you do? It’s not ideal that everyone has their dream job; I get that completely. But, if you’re not doing what you love, could you alter some things in your life so that you start to change the direction in which you are going? Do you need to get licensed? Get educated in a specific area? Pick up the art you desire to pick up? Whatever it is, there’s nothing more satisfying than to do what you love.

What matters most to me? How am I going to actively prepare to make it a priority in the new year?

It’s easy for anyone to share what they value or whom they value most, am I right? But are those physically being represented in your life? Did you put people that matter on the backburner or give them your leftovers this year? The things you desire to do or want to accomplish, did those take priority, or did you flood your schedule with something that didn’t matter as much? It’s essential to identify what matters most to you and then give them a priority on your calendar and in your life. Then, please list what you will actively do to keep them a priority in the new year.

If 2022 was my final year of life, what needs to happen to know that I gave it my all in the new year?

Asking a question like this is tough. Bottom line, we aren’t promised tomorrow. It’s important to reflect in this way; that way, the primary factors of what you want in life remain the focus of your drive. Let the rest of the noise blur and grow quiet; keep it out of focus compared to the things that matter to you. Remember that this is your life, and you are the only one responsible for living it.

I hope these questions help you simmer and reflect. I hope they guide you into truths of where you want to be and who you want to become so that you can only focus on that. Happy, almost (new year) 2022, my friends!

Looking for more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram, @charizma.co and on Pinterest. Want to take another step for reflective questions? Read one of our latest posts, here.