Life can become so busy that we sometimes forget to stop and ask ourselves how we are actually doing. We wake up, go to work, handle responsibilities, talk to people, scroll through our phones and go to sleep. Then another month begin, it is quite important to take a few minutes before another month starts and evaluate how the month went for you and also plan on what you’re looking forward to achieve in the coming month.
Taking a little time every month to reflect can help us understand ourselves better and notice things we might otherwise ignore.
One useful question to ask is, “How am I really feeling?” Not how you tell people you are feeling, but how you actually feel when you are alone with yourself. Are you happy, stressed, tired, excited, lonely or confused?
You can also ask yourself, “What made me happy this month?” It is easy to focus on problems and forget the small moments that made life enjoyable. Thinking about them can help you appreciate what is going well.
Another important question is, “What drained my energy?” Maybe it was a difficult relationship, too much work, financial pressure or spending too much time online. Identifying what is draining you can help you decide what needs to change.
Ask yourself, “What did I learn this month?” Learning does not have to mean completing a course or reading a book. You may have learned something about your work, relationships, money or yourself.
You can also ask, “Did I spend my money in a way that reflects my priorities?” Money can disappear quickly when we do not pay attention. Looking at your spending once a month can help you notice habits that need to change.
Another useful question is, “Who have I been spending most of my time with, and how do these relationships make me feel?” The people around us can influence our confidence, happiness and decisions.
You can also ask, “What am I avoiding?” Sometimes we know exactly what needs to be done but keep delaying it because we are afraid, uncomfortable or unsure. Recognizing this can be the first step towards dealing with it.
Ask yourself, “What am I proud of?” It does not have to be something huge. Maybe you handled a difficult situation well, saved money, applied for a job, learned something new or simply got through a difficult week.
Another powerful question is, “What do I want to do differently next month?” Choose something realistic. You do not need to completely change your life every month. One small improvement can make a difference.
Finally, ask yourself, “Am I becoming the person I want to be?” Your answer may not always be yes, and that is okay. Self-reflection is not about judging yourself. It is about understanding where you are and deciding where you want to go.
You can write your answers in a notebook, your phone or a journal. Over time, looking back at your answers can help you see how much you have changed.
Life does not always give us time to stop and think. Sometimes we have to create that time ourselves. A few quiet minutes at the end of every month can help you understand your choices, recognise your progress and enter the next month with a clearer mind.
Brenna AKARABO
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