Looking back can help better prepare you for the future
- Karen Wilson: Family Corner
- January 19, 2018
- 1684
So where were you and what were you doing a year ago? Where do you want to be by next year? Consider looking back in order to look forward.
How many miles did you commute? Was it worth it? Should you consider looking for a job closer to home?
Did you miss a promotion because you lacked training? What courses could you take? How much time and funding do you need to obtain the knowledge you require?
As you start preparing your tax information, look over the data. Where did your money go? Do you need to reorder your budget? What life changes do you need to anticipate in the year to come? Do you have kids headed to college? Is retirement looming?
Where did your hours go? Do you keep logs of what you do each day? If not, consider starting. It’s easy to lose track if you don’t keep records.
Did you spend your time where you wanted or needed? How do you want to change things this year?
Review the state of your house and appliances. Will you need to make major repairs or replacements?
What about your utility costs? Could you implement changes to save?
Did your year include too many time wasters? Did you make too many trips to the grocery store? Set a goal for the year to come, something like only going to the store twice each month. Plan your budget, meals and grocery list accordingly.
Did your garden produce all you had hoped? What changes do you need to make to produce more? How could you preserve or utilize more?
Were you able to do the things you wanted to do as often as you wanted? Write goals and schedule time to make it happen. I’m doing just that so I get in more kayaking this year.
How was your time with your kids? Did you have quantity and quality? Did you enjoy your time with them? If so, great! If not, why not? Do they need discipline or help in developing interests?
How did you further your education? What did you read? What new skills did you acquire? How did you apply old skills in a different way?
What groups did you participate in? Was it time well spent? Should you cut down to free up time for other goals? Or do you need to expand your horizons through new groups? Should you drop current groups and pick up others?
How was your diet and nutrition? Do you keep track of what you eat each day? Often we think we are eating better food and managing calories better than we do. If you don’t want to track full time, pick weeks randomly throughout the year. Put it on your calendar. Don’t try to be extra “good” during the week you track. Be realistic.
What things drove you crazy or seemed particularly unorganized? How can you make changes to improve the year to come?
Have you been ignoring health issues or putting off check-ups? Make a list and set up appointments.
By looking back, you can better look to the future.