As we near the beginning of a new year, many of us start to look back at the year just passed, reminiscing over good memories in our photo albums, analysing our Spotify Wrapped lists or looking back at some of the things that went well (and some that didn’t). According to Roxie Nafousi, self-development coach and author of Manifest and Manifest For Kids, this time of year is the “perfect” time to reflect as most people simultaneously slow down and pause amid what Nafousi describes as this “incredibly motivating and exciting feeling of renewal as we approach a new year”.

Nafousi explains that taking stock and reflecting on yourself is important because it gives us the opportunity to do two things:

1. Practise gratitude – “So often, we let life pass us by without reflecting on how much we have experienced and achieved,” Nafousi explains.

“It can leave us taking things for granted, or easily forgetting about the positives in our lives. Reflecting on the good, and how far we have come, helps us sink into a feeling of appreciation which makes us feel better, as well as helping us to cultivate an abundant mindset and then manifest more abundance into our lives.”

2. Learn and grow – Nafousi also says that recognising the challenges we’ve faced and how we overcame them gives us the opportunity to learn and evolve. “We learn about ourselves and give ourselves the chance to find new perspectives or think about what changes we might make in the year that follows.”

It’s why the manifestation expert suggests using this festive lull period to ask yourself the following questions:

What were the standout moments?
What challenges did you overcome and what did you learn from them?
Which relationships made you feel most supported and loved?
When did you feel most content and at peace? Can you identify why?
What do you want to let go of before you enter the new year?
Which habits or behaviours held you back and which pushed you forward?
What achievements are you most proud of?
In what ways have you changed and grown this year?
What will you do differently next year?

These 9 questions from Roxie Nafousi will help you reflect on 2023