3 questions to ask yourself to end the year strong

Whether 2016 has been your best year yet, or whether you can’t wait to put it in the past, it’s not too late to bring it to a positive end.

Ask yourself – and more importantly, answer – these questions to help you shift your understanding of 2016. Be as specific as possible. Don’t just give stock answers. Write them down for added emphasis.

1. Picture yourself where you were exactly one year ago.

What’s one thing that you’ve accomplished that you’re really proud of this year? Why?

What’s one way you’ve grown in the past twelve months?

What did you do differently to create that growth?

2. What are three things you’re grateful for from 2016?

Again, be specific. Don’t just write, “My family.” Instead, go deeper. What about your family? Who? Why?

3. What’s one relationship that’s grown deeper in the past year?

This could be anybody – a romantic partner, a family member, an acquaintance, a coworker.

How has this person affected you?

What happened to make your relationship with them deepen?

If you’re on a roll, don’t stop at three – keep going!

Focusing on the positive, especially at a momentous time, doesn’t erase problems or tragedy. What it does it brings your blessings into perspective. We’re programmed to see the negative – and if we’re not careful, that negativity can overpower the positive.

Take this chance to end the year strong. And then take that energy into 2017 – and shine.