One Good Thing: The Power of Looking Back
Let’s be honest - most of us spend a lot of time focusing on what we didn’t do.
The resolutions we didn’t keep. The goals we didn’t reach. The days we just got by.
But what if, before this year ends, you gave yourself a different kind of check-in?
One rooted not in judgment, but in curiosity. One that doesn’t ask, “Did I do enough?” but instead asks:
“What’s the one good thing I learned about myself this year?”
Maybe that small question is already the start of your better year ahead.
Why Self-Reflection Matters
We’re all evolving all the time. But often, we move so fast we don’t notice it.
Reflection is how you press pause.
It’s how you shift from going through the motions to honoring your growth.
And here’s the best part:
You don’t need a perfect year to learn something powerful about yourself.
Maybe you discovered:
Your ability to set boundaries, even when it felt uncomfortable
Your resilience when the going gotyou're more resilient than you realized
Your confidence in asking for help – and accepting it
Your realization that that you're not the same person you were 12 months ago : you’re better in so many small ways
Growth comes from milestones, but more oftenin the subtle shifts, like the way you responded instead of reacted, or the moment you gave yourself grace instead of guilt.
The Psychology of Looking Back
Research shows that self-reflection can improve emotional intelligence, increase confidence, and help you make more intentional decisions moving forward.
According to a study in the Harvard Business Review, people who reflect on their work and personal experiences improve their performance more than those who don’t. Why? Because awareness is the foundation of learning—and learning leads to change.
Reflection = Awareness → Awareness = Growth
When you pause to reflect on what you’ve learned about yourself, you’re not just looking backward - you’re planting the seeds for your next steps forward.
Try This 5-Minute YES Reflection Exercise
You don’t need a journal full of pages or hours of free time. All you need is one quiet moment and a willingness to check in with yourself.
Here’s a simple prompt to guide you:
Ask yourself: “What is one good thing I learned about myself this year?”
Let your mind wander. Don’t force it.
Notice the FIRST answer that come to mind and sit with it.
Write it down. Reflect on what led you to that insight.
How did it change you? How might it shape your next steps?
There’s no “wrong” answer. Even if the lesson came from a mistake or a hard moment it’s still yours. That makes it valuable.
Real-Life Examples
You might be surprised by what counts as growth. Here are a few reflections we’ve heard:
“I learned I can say no without apologizing.”
“I discovered that I actually enjoy alone time. It recharges me.”
“This year taught me that asking for help isn’t weakness - it’s self-respect.”
“I’m stronger than I thought. Not because nothing broke me, but because I kept showing up anyway.”
Notice something?
None of these reflections are about accomplishments.
They’re about awareness. And that’s where BETTER starts.
Reframe Your End-of-Year Mindset
Instead of focusing on what you didn’t finish or the many times you stumbled, give yourself permission to notice how far you’ve come, not just externally but internally.
You don’t need a dramatic transformation to be proud of yourself.
Sometimes, growth is just finally recognizing your own strength.
YES Pro Tip: Celebrate the Small Wins
If reflecting on a full year feels overwhelming, start smaller.
Ask yourself:
What’s one thing I handled better this month than I would have last year?
When did I show up for myself in a new or healthier way?
What part of me feels a little more “me” than it did before?
Awareness of those positive subtle shifts are definite wins! Own it. Celebrate it.
We believe mental wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection -
To yourself.
To your values.
To your own inner wisdom.
So take a moment - just one.
Reflect on the version of you that made it through this year.
Not perfectly, but fully, authentically, resiliently.
That alone is worth honoring.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you want more of this, more useful bits to meet your day, YES is here for you.
Reconnect with
Your Enlightened Self (your purpose)
Your Empowered Self (your capabilities)
Your Effective Self (your impact)
You deserve a better you starting today.
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