12/8/23, 4:33 PM Gmail - Recapping Your Year Effectively

Jason Cruz <[email protected]>

Recapping Your Year Effectively

Connor Beaton <[email protected]> Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 12:43 AM
To: Jason Cruz <[email protected]>

Welcome to December, Jason,

One of the most valuable things I've trained myself to do this time of year is reflect—in a specific way—
on significant things that have happened.

It’s a pretty standard idea, but it also tends to get tossed aside in favor of present needs or possible
futures.

But doing that makes it difficult (if not impossible) to change the trajectory of your life. It’s extremely
useful info.

Wins, losses, achievements, failures, what I managed to get done, and what didn’t quite make it are all
part of the equation, but there's also intentional thought towards what I felt about certain things and my
level of commitment.

The goal of reflection like this is to get a better perspective on what actually happened, so you can
calibrate what you're aiming towards, and where you need to shift focus and attention in the coming
days.

And so, I wanted to offer everyone on the mailing list the same reflection guide I personally use. It's
also the same one I give the men in the Alliance.

Instructions
Within the next 2-3 weeks, block out one undistracted hour of time. Close the office door, put your
phone on airplane mode (or throw it in a river), do whatever you need to do. Then dig in.

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12/8/23, 4:33 PM Gmail - Recapping Your Year Effectively

Questions
If my year was a chapter in the book of my life, what would the chapter title have been for this year?

What were the major highlights/wins in 2023?

What did I leave on the table (left unfinished, unrealized, and untacked?)

Was this really important?

If yes, what specifically got in the way?

Looking back at the "trends" or "themes" of the past 3-5 years, what is the arc of my life revealing about
how I’m growing—and where I can focus attention?

When did I feel most connected to a deep sense of integrity and authenticity (give a few examples)
When did I break through limitations and act from my own power?

What old patterns persisted this year that I am ready to let die next year?

What patterns did I let go of or let die in 2023?

Why was this important?
How did it make me feel?

Being as honest as possible, how did I show up:

In my relationship?
In my health?
In my finances?
In my self-practices?
In my commitment to spirituality/faith?

What did I accomplish in each of these categories (list specific goals/accomplishments where possible):

In my relationship?
In my health?
In my finances?
In my self-practices?

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12/8/23, 4:33 PM Gmail - Recapping Your Year Effectively

In my commitment to spirituality/faith?

Further Reflections and Lessons:

The one thing I still need to own or apologize for is…

I want to celebrate myself for…
One of the conversations that stands out to me is…
One of the decisions that I’m most proud of is…
Looking back on my life, what 90-year-old me would tell current me to let go of/forgive/heal from
2023 is…

Lastly, Jason, before making resolutions about 2024, try going back through what you’ve written and
seeing if there are any trends or themes that stand out. Then, see if they’re something you should
focus on.

This helps make any planning you DO make more flexible, more resilient, and ultimately more
achievable.

For example, "There’s a theme of resistance towards self-care that’s carried through the year. My
business is doing well, but my health isn’t quite where I want it". Bam, there’s a smart goal.

To your success,

Connor Beaton
What's Going On
ManTalk's Men's Weekends are BACK, Jason, and by popular demand, we're announcing the
second one a little early. Work with me in-person to reclaim your power, foster brotherhood, and
confront your shadows. March 14-18, 2024 in Texas and June 6-10 in Mt Shasta.
Procrastination got you in its clutches? I feel you. Check out the latest episode of the podcast for
the one weird trick—yes, I'm seriously using that phrase—that actually worked.

Sent to: [email protected]

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12/8/23, 4:33 PM Gmail - Recapping Your Year Effectively

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