Self-Reflection as Rebellion

QUOTE OF THE DAY

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DEEP DIVE

To prepare for a year-end review, though, think of this process as gathering all of the nuggets of wisdom from your experiences this year, each one holding valuable insights about your strength and resilience.

Every challenge you've faced and every small victory you've celebrated has contributed to your growth. 

When I speak with entrepreneurs and business owners, this is often one of the most challenging things that bubbles to the surface. It’s far simpler to look for the approaches or systems that need to change. But looking deliberately at each lesson from the 10,000-foot view, asking “How did this mistake or failure contribute to where I am now? How did it lead to my success? What do I need to celebrate? What needs to change?”

It has a different vibe, doesn’t it?

Perhaps you've discovered new strengths, developed unexpected skills, or learned important lessons about what truly matters to you.

Consider the ways you've evolved this year:

• The times you chose courage over comfort

• The boundaries you set with love

• The moments you trusted your intuition

• The challenges that revealed your resilience

Getting Ready to Generate Intentions, a Vision, and Goals

Now comes the exciting part – crafting goals that align with your authentic self and the “you” that you truly want to become!

The Starting Over Toolkit and Designing Your Intentions and Vision

When I created the Starting Over Toolkit™️, I imagined someone sitting down and working through each exercise from start to finish. I quickly realized, though, that the process can be more cyclical than linear.

Each year, each moment, and each decision has the potential to shift our future completely. You might complete the workbook this month, or maybe you’ve completed it during our live workshop. Two months later, you might revisit what you’d written before and find that you’re ready for a completely new next step.

It’s all perfect, and you are exactly where you need to be right now.

Let’s break down the general approach into three steps. Grab your journal if you’re up for it, but if this is more of a thought exercise before you really dig in, that’s perfect, too.

1: Start by imagining your ideal state of being. 

How do you want to feel? What kind of experiences do you want to create? Let these questions guide you toward goals that resonate with your true desires rather than external expectations.

2: Transform your BIG aspirations into manageable steps.

Identify your core priorities and values, and generate a list of milestone markers. What does success look like at each step?

3: Build a plan for small, consistent actions.

Think of it as planting seeds that will grow into beautiful gardens with proper care and attention. I advise business leaders and entrepreneurs to go as detailed as possible here and create rituals and structures to support these changes.

• Morning reflection moments (At Permission to Start Over HQ, we love the Morning Pages from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron)

• Regular check-ins with yourself

• Evening gratitude practice

• Weekly progress celebrations

4: Embracing the Process

Remember that progress isn't linear. Some days will flow effortlessly; others might feel like you're swimming upstream. Both experiences are valid and valuable parts of your journey.

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QUICK HITS

🌱 Renewal: Nature Journaling

Give it a try! →

🎉 12 Simple Ways to Celebrate Yourself Without Spending a Dime

Dive in →

🛠️ The Starting Over Toolkit™️

Get Started →

🤔 31 Self-Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself

Take the leap →

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week, we’re challenging ourselves to mindful eating. We’re not talking about meal planning or even trying out new recipes – simply approaching what we’re putting in our bodies with more intention.

1. Let your body catch up to your brain, and slow down between bites.

2. Eat with a friend at a set time.

3. Make a meal from scratch.

4. Take a break from electronics while eating.

5. Use your five senses to slow down and savor the experience.

Okay, we said “no recipes,” but we couldn’t help it! Here are a few of our favorite mindful meals and snacks from The Feed Feed.

Spinach and Avocado Hummus

“Rad Thai” Salad

Zoodles (zucchini noodles!) in Basil Lemon Sauce

COMMUNITY CORNER

The Starting Over Toolkit™️ is designed to guide you in aligning your daily actions with your deepest values, bringing more meaning and fulfillment to your life.

It’s your complete, start-to-finish plan for taking that next step in life and building the life of your dreams – the life that’s more aligned, more joyful, and more peaceful.

Learn more!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Remember, this journey of renewal isn't about becoming a “different” person – it's about unveiling more of your authentic self. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a celebration of your commitment to growth.

Trust that you have everything you need within you to create the life you envision. Your past experiences have prepared you for this moment, and your future is bright with possibility.

You've got this, and you're not walking this path alone.

Start Over Kitty & The Permission to Start Over Team

_{^{If you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, the caring counselors at 988 Lifeline are here for you. You are not alone. Reach out: https://988lifeline.org/}}

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