"The unexamined life is not worth living"   - Socrates - 
  

I was first introduced to the above quote by Socrates years ago when I was taking a philosophy class in college.  It has stayed in my mind ever since that time.

What thoughts come to your mind as you read "The unexamined life is not worth living?" At first glance it could sound morbid, depressing, or possibly discouraging. However, I found the quote challenged me to examine my life on a regular basis to gain a better understanding of myself, my life experiences, and my impact on others.

Today (December 22^nd), I realized that we are nearing the end of 2009 and we will soon be bombarded with TV specials with their "year in review" shows and segments.  Whenever I watch them, I always find myself revisiting my own life and asking "what would be in my 'year-in-review' program?"  I pose that same question to you .... "What would your year-in-review be like?"  What images, words, and feelings come to your mind?  What experiences stand out from the others?  Between now and New Year's Day, I challenge you to consider and answer that question.

Your responses can be in the form of thoughts, writings, or pictures.  The "thought form" is fully examining what has happened in your life this year ... the good, the bad, the ugly, and the awesome!  You can stop there, or you can turn those thoughts into writings. They could be just a couple of words or short sentences to describe your experiences, or your writings could expand to become a short story, a journal, or a book.  You may have the making for a bestselling autobiography, novel, mystery, or even science fiction story, depending on your life experiences!   

You could also create a collage of photos depicting different events that stand out in your mind.  With many of us having camera cell phones, you may have pictures of everyday activities that are meaningful to you.

You may be asking yourself "What is the purpose of this exercise?"  "Why should I take my time to do this?"  The answer is that whatever method you choose (thoughts, writings, or pictures), this activity allows you to examine and celebrate your life in a unique way.  It can expand your self-awareness, increase your self-appreciation, and broaden your understanding of others.  You can also gain valuable insights about yourself and those around you that can help you create greater personal and/or professional success in the coming year and beyond.

Below are several questions that can help you form your review.  You should ask yourself each one in the context of this year (2009).  You may not have answers for all the questions.  However, I challenge you to delve deeply into you life to discover answers to as many of them as you can.  Many times there are rich experiences in our everyday lives that we simply fail to acknowledge because we are looking for something really spectacular that made a big impression on us. 

Although I am giving you the questions, you may have some of your own that you want to add to this list, feel free to do that.  Here are the questions.

1. What goals did I achieve?* 

*Remember to add "this year" at the end of each question.  If you are reading this article in January 2010 or later, instead add "last year".

2. What disappointments did I experience?
3. What new talents or abilities did I discover that I had?  
4. What new personal friends or colleagues did I make?
5. What new professional or business relationships did I form?
6. What did I start doing that has proved to be valuable to me?
7. What undertaking(s) am I most proud of?
8. What are some things I could have done differently at work or in my business?
9. What were some of my missed opportunities?
10. What am I most grateful for?  
11. Who do I greatly miss?
12. Who helped me in a meaningful way and what did I do for him or her in return?
13. What did I stop doing that proved to be beneficial for me?
14. What mistakes did I make and what did I learn from them?

If you find it difficult to answer these questions because you cannot fully remember what happened this year, I suggest that in 2010 you keep a journal of your activities, encounters, and experiences.  That way, at the end of 2010, you will have a resource to review to help you consider these same questions. 

By the way, if you have come up with questions that you think others doing this exercise would benefit from answering, please email them to me.  I will list them in the next newsletter.  If you want additional questions to think about right now, please click here. 

I have three final questions which will make this exercise truly valuable for you. After reviewing your life in 2009, what will you start doing, stop doing, or continue doing beginning January 1, 2010 to make next year your best year yet!

May the New Year Hold for You

Health, Wealth & Much Happiness!

Donna Satchell, President of STARR Consulting & Training is a speaker, trainer and author.  She provides programs in customer service, team-building, time management, public speaking as well as motivational speeches which inspire individuals to live more successful lives.  Please visit www.JustGetSerious.com for information about products and services as well as to view videos of Donna’s speeches.  Contact her at 770-498-0400 or Donna@JustGetSerious.com.

Copyright 2006-2007 - Donna Satchell   All rights reserved. 

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