The end of the year is a great time for reflection. After spending the holidays with loved ones, the last week of the year brings a much-needed downtime for most. But it can be hard to reflect and think about what you want to bring into the new year and leave behind in 2022 without any structure. We’re here to help!

In order to live as your most authentic self, you need to identify what truly matters to you. Is it physical health? Mental health? Family? Your career? All the above? We want to help you categorize what’s important to you and how you can prioritize those values.

What about things from 2022 that no longer serve you? Is there anything you wish to leave behind?

There’s a new phenomenon that centers around making money and leading a ‘successful’ life called Hustle Culture. This mindset is touted as positive and necessary if you’re looking to progress in your career, but the habits within this mindset can be toxic.

It’s all too easy to subscribe to mindsets like the rise and grind, but there’s more to life than making money.

New Year’s Eve resolutions are notoriously unreliable for most people. But learning what matter to you the most and choosing those goals consistently and intentionally is a form of self-love.

Here’s how you can get started:

Recognize Your Values

Once you understand what is most important to you, it will be easier to focus on those priorities all throughout 2023. Try starting with a list of everything that’s important to you. It can be anywhere from 10 to 100 things, like fitness, travel, wealth, or mental health. From that long list, select 6 to 8 values from that mean the most to you.

Once you have identified several of your top values, analyze how you prioritize those values in your current lifestyle. If family is one of your values, are you making time to see them or connect with them? Do you need to schedule phone calls or Facetime with family members you don’t see as often? If travel is at the top of your list, are you setting aside enough money to fulfill your travel needs? Gaining clarity on your values can help you prioritize how you spend your time.

Focus on Daily Habits

Daily habits, no matter how small, add up. It can be easy to lose sight of your values in the day-to-day chaos we all manage. Staying organized can help us see the big picture throughout all our daily tasks. Start your day with making a clear to-do list. We suggest keeping it to one post-it note so the list stays manageable. When you finish writing your to-do list, take a step back and see if there’s any tasks that align with your 6 to 8 most important values.

Reflect and Reevaluate

Our priorities and values change over time. What mattered to you in your early twenties may not matter as much in your forties. It’s okay if your values evolve – it happens to everyone. Make sure you’re staying in touch with what matters to you and realign your priorities as you go. This will help you stay true to your authentic self as the years progress.

The end of the year provides a great time to reflect and figure out what you want to bring into the following year.

If you or a loved one need help identifying and prioritizing values, or want to take steps toward being your best self, please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.

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Kate Tedeschi

Kate is the Founder and Clinical Director of Sage House Counseling & Art Therapy. With nearly ten years of clinical experience, I partner with you to connect back to your authentic, true self. The self that desires happiness, abundance, and greater self-compassion. I work with clients just like you because I believe we all have the innate ability to heal and grow when we are heard and supported.