2020 Reflections & 2021 Intention Setting

We’re 21 days into 2021 and I wanted to check in with you to ask: how are you? How are you really doing and feeling? Only 3 weeks in and we already have riots at the Capitol, a historical inauguration, and we’re still grappling with a global pandemic. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, happy, sad, numb, relief, joyful, or all or none — please know you’re not alone!

2020 has been a historical year and for many people life-changing; yet, speaking to so many folks — the year also feels like a blur, especially starting last March. What does 2020 mean for you? When all is said and done, what do you want to take away from 2020 in your own personal life?

I’m writing you now to offer you a reflection and intention exercise that I hope you find compelling. I’ve presented a version of this exercise at several companies and with my coaching clients with great reception. If you have not yet reflected on 2020 or even if you have and would like some additional tools and prompts, please feel free to complete the exercise below. 2020 deserves the space and reflection. You deserve the space and reflection.

So grab a hot cup of tea, make sure you’re in a quiet space, and gather a pen and at least 2 pieces of blank paper for the next 30–45 minutes. Ah, and your favorite piece of lo-fi relaxing mood music might help too. If you’re not ready now, bookmark this and come back to it when you are ready. But do come back.

PART 1: 2020 REFLECTION

[7 minutes] Create a 2020 journey line by plotting any significant moment, high or low, on the year’s timeline.

Here’s an example of what it could look like. Everyone has had a different 2020, you might notice yours is all below the neutral line or that it steadily goes lower or steadily goes higher or is a big roller coaster of up and downs. You might notice something isn’t just one point in time, that it’s a progression or that it might be both low and high, painful or joyful. Just pick a point and try your best. There’s no right or wrong.

[15 minutes] Reflection: After completing your 2020 journey line, ask yourself these questions and write them down on your piece of paper:

• What do you notice about your 2020 journey line?
• How has these significant moments shaped you to make you who are you right now?
• What did you learn about yourself this year?
• What appreciation/gratitude do you have of yourself and others? (feel free to write out this like an Academy Awards thank you speech)
• Knowing all that you know now, what words of advice would you tell the January 2020 version of yourself?
• What sentence, one word, or phrase sums up your 2020?

PART 2: LOOKING FORWARD

Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect back on your 2020, let’s use this as a background for looking forward into 2021.

[10 minutes] Writing: Answer these questions as you think about 2021.

• This time next year, looking back at your 2021 journey line, how do you want to feel?
• What will you see in your 2021 journey line that will have you feel this way?
• What is 1 commitment that you want to make for yourself now for 2021? (this is less about goals and more about an overarching commitment or theme).

Once you’ve completed this, place it prominently in your work area, near your bed, or any other high-trafficked place near you that will remind you of your reflections and intentions. Do this exercise every year and revisit your old answers.

As I completed this exercise for myself, I noted some key takeaways of my own personal journey:

• I feel more connected to the global community through this shared experience of 2020. I’ve known for awhile, maybe at an intellectual level, that we are all connected but this year has struck me in a way that I truly, within my bones, feel connected and part of a global fabric. That my liberation is and must be truly tied to the liberation of others (inspired by Lilla Watson).
• Don’t take health for granted, reground myself in deep gratitude (rather than comparative, sometimes guilt-inducing gratitude) will always bring me a fresh and empowering perspective.
• I am capable of doing hard things, more than I give myself credit for.
• I have a network and community of people who I feel so held and seen and supported by and I am incredibly lucky to have these folks in my life.

I hope you found this exercise helpful. May your 2021 intentions ground and center you when the natural highs and lows of life come your way.

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more about my coaching services, feel free to reach out and schedule a chemistry call with me here.

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