As 2024 comes to an end and we look ahead to 2025, it’s a natural moment to reflect. Our minds are constantly processing our experiences, even while we sleep, helping us make sense of events and memories. This makes reflection—whether done daily or at the close of the year—a powerful way to understand our growth.
As we prepare for the year ahead, let’s take a moment to look back on 2024. Rather than focusing solely on big achievements, let’s also celebrate the small, transformative moments that shaped us along the way. In this post, we’ll explore how to reflect on your progress, acknowledge any setbacks or unaccomplished goals, and, most importantly, maintain a sense of hope as we step into the new year.
Am I a Better Version of Myself Than I Was a Year Ago?
If we reflect on this question, the answer is likely a resounding “yes”. We don’t merely age; we encounter people and experiences that enrich us, helping us grow. Both the highs and the lows offer valuable lessons, shaping who we are.
Life is multifaceted – encompassing our health, career, relationships, hobbies, and more – and our priorities shift depending on our personal values and life stages. However, it is only when we tend to all these aspects that we can truly become the fullest versions of ourselves.
As human beings, we are naturally drawn to the good and the beautiful (of ourselves and of others). It’s easy to find ourselves swept up in the rush of daily life – an energy that can be both motivating and inspiring, yet at times, overwhelming. December, however, presents an ideal moment to pause and reflect on our journey over the past year.
“A friend of mine who made a commitment to lead a more active lifestyle this year. He began by dedicating just thirty minutes a week at the gym, gradually incorporating fitness into his routine.”
“In my own experience, when faced with demanding academic responsibilities, I have often neglected my health and time with family and friends in the process. This is an area I aim to improve in the coming year.”
While tangible milestones can certainly mark progress, they are not the only measure of growth. We evolve not only when we achieve specific goals, but also when we recognize the need for change (as the second example above) – whether through new actions or shifts in mindset. True improvement often begins with the realization that we can be better, and the conscious decision to take steps toward that change.
How Can You Cultivate a Positive Mindset Toward Unachieved New Year’s Goals and Let Go of Regret?
It’s entirely natural to feel a sense of disheartenment when we reflect on the goals we didn’t achieve or the moments we wish we could have relived. Whether it’s an unfinished project, a relationship that didn’t work out, or a plan that simply never came to fruition, these “unaccomplished” moments can easily become breeding grounds for frustration and regret. Yet, how we choose to respond to these setbacks has the power to shape our personal growth and future happiness.
Instead of allowing past disappointments to anchor us in the past, we can transform them into opportunities for growth and self-compassion. By shifting our perspective, we can turn these moments into stepping stones, cultivating a more positive and constructive mindset moving forward. Below are some practical steps to help guide this shift in perspective and make it a meaningful part of our everyday lives.
1) Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity: one of the most powerful shifts we can make is to view unachieved goals not as failures, but as valuable lessons. Every setback offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt. To gain clarity, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. What factors were within your control, and what external influences played a role?
For example, if you didn’t complete a creative project, resist the urge to self-criticize. Instead, ask: What caused the delay? Were my goals too ambitious? Did other priorities distract me? Understanding the “why” behind the setback allows you to adjust your approach and become more strategic moving forward.
2) Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: we often set ourselves up for disappointment by striving for perfection, yet life rarely follows a straight path. Achieving goals is a journey of both progress and setbacks, twists and turns. It’s essential to celebrate the small victories along the way, even if the larger goal feels far off. Perhaps you didn’t complete that artwork this year, but you’ve made significant strides in your skills and in the therapeutic value of the time spent creating. It matters less whether you finish today or this year than the appreciation for what you’ve accomplished so far – and the drive to return to it.
3) Practice Self-Compassion: self-compassion is the practice of offering yourself the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a close friend, especially in moments of setback or disappointment. Regret often brings with it a wave of self-criticism – thoughts like, “Why didn’t I do this?” or “What’s wrong with me?” – which only trap you in a cycle of negativity. Instead, approach yourself with the same compassion you would show to a friend in need, recognizing that setbacks are a natural part of the human experience. Rather than defining your worth or potential, embracing the imperfections with kindness can empower you to move forward with renewed clarity and determination.
4) Set New, Realistic Goals: the key to moving past regret often lies in setting new, achievable goals. When we fall short, it’s easy to feel like we’ve failed entirely. But instead of fixating on the bigger picture, break goals into smaller, manageable steps.
For example, if your goal is to read more but you missed a few days, focus on scheduling one 30-minute read on a weekend morning before heading to a nice brunch with your friends. This approach makes progress feel attainable, paired with an entertaining activity, which can be motivating and further helps build momentum with each success.
How Can I Foster Hope and Embrace New Beginnings as the Year Draws to a Close?
As the new year approaches, it often feels like a fresh start, a time to make everything perfect and begin anew. But instead of fixating on the symbolic power of “new beginnings,” what if we focused on taking each action as a new step, regardless of the timeline? It’s less about waiting for the perfect moment and more about making tangible progress.
For instance, we don’t need to wait for 2025 to try that recipe we’ve been meaning to learn. If not now, then when? The key isn’t waiting for the “right” time but taking the first step – gathering the ingredients, starting the process, and embracing the journey.
A closing year offers a useful frame for reflection, but how we change and what we do don’t need to be tied to any specific moment. True transformation comes through the consistent, small steps we take, no matter when we begin.
Your mind may still feel unsettled, and that’s perfectly okay.
There are several therapeutic approaches designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore and express your thoughts, both verbally and nonverbally. One such approach is art therapy, which can be particularly effective in helping you process emotions, reflect on experiences, and gain insight into your inner world.
At the Montreal Art Therapy Centre, our team of licensed art therapists is committed to supporting you on this journey. As we approach the end of 2024, we’re here to help you close this chapter with a sense of clarity and hope, preparing you to step into 2025 with a renewed mindset.
If you’re curious about how art therapy can support your growth and healing, or if you’d like to speak with one of our therapists, we invite you to reach out to us and contact us here. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Written by: Linxuan (Skyler) Li
Edited by: Reyhane Namdari
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