Kai Shi 开始·

In the spirit of Chinese New Year, this post is dedicated to new beginnings. Now that we have some time over the next few days, it was definitely an opportunity to re-look at my life and reset a few things.

Sam recommended the following article which provides a guide on how to reflect, assess and plan for the next 8760 hours, or one year. What I like about it is that it takes the reader through a step by step, structured approach to evaluating 12 aspects of their life through a series of questions and blocks. These self examining questions are not one you would typically ask yourself and even less, dedicate time to mull over but placed in a setting such as this, it offers a guided reflection towards the identification of your overall goals and direction in life.

When done in the right frame of mind, one would be able to sit back, take a stock of where they are, identify where they want to get to and plug at the gaps.

It was a lengthy piece of work, consuming many hours but once you go through each of the areas, you do feel quite invigorated and inspired to start. For me, it was almost too invigorating and there were many times, my impulsive need to action got the better of me so I would caution to watch out for those and keep the credit card away from you while you are doing this. Otherwise, you might, like me, end up booking a month’s retreat living as a fitness hobbit.

Here are some of the questions posed:

• What is my philosophy of life?
• How am I giving value to the world?
• Am I contributing to important and worthy causes that I care about?
• Is my life cluttered?
• Am I aware of how I spend my money?
• Does my career give me mastery, control and purpose?
• How much do I sleep on average? Am I getting good quality sleep?
• Do I have a well-balanced exercise routine?
• Am I spending time learning new things and developing my mind?
• How much have I read in the past year?
• Am I a good friend?
• Am I enjoying life?
• Do I practice self-compassion?
• What identity do I have?
• Am I doing any deep work?
• Am I experiencing what I want to experience in life?

There are many more questions and I would highly recommend everyone to do this. Not only does it surface up emotions,thoughts and plans that have been swept under the carpet, it allows you to tackle these in a safe environment.

To add to this exercise, i would also suggest to take note of your emotions as you are doing it. How am I feeling about this, why am I feeling that way, what fear arises in me as I am doing this? The uncertainties and insecurities that surfaces as you work through these sections are not to be seen as reflective of the person you are, they are merely parts of yourself that are screaming to be noticed and given attention to. It’s easy to be self-judgemental but do remember to be self-forgiving too. Once you quieten down and craft out a plan on how to spend more time on areas of your life that has been put aside, you will feel calmer and settled.

But in any of such exercises, to gain the full benefit, one must be entirely honest and open. After all, there is no one to admit or hide these from, just yourself.