How to Look Back to Move Forward in 2024

Sometimes, you go back to move forward

Dear Alchemist

Back like I never left. I couldn’t write to you last Saturday, do you still love me? Wait, today’s entry will help you decide.

In a few days, it will be 2024.

Some people have got it figured out, some people are unbothered (OGs), some people don’t give 2 flying fudge about it and are nonchalant about it (weird OGs).

But now is the best time to practice retrospection- looking at the past year in a way to guide you as you move forward. In fact, looking back to move forward will help you do well in 2024 than you did in 2023 because you will be conscious of what went wrong and avoid it.

Grab a notebook.

Grab a pen.

Grab a popcorn

Let’s get down, alchemist.

What is Retrospection?

Have you ever sat writing in your journal and then suddenly, you’re hit with a memory of something you did before? Then you go ahead to dabble a little in the processes and what led up to hitting the goal?

Can you relate?

Retrospection simply means looking back in a purposeful way. It can be you reviewing major events, decisions, challenges and accomplishments while trying to learn from it.

As simple as ABC, right?

Simple yet so profound.

How to Do a Retrospection

• Set aside quality quiet time for self-reflection.

• Think through 2023. What went well that you could replicate next year? What proved challenging and needs you to rethink? What brought joy or sorrow? What moved the needle move in your growth?

• Don't just catalog events - think about their impact and what they revealed about needs or opportunities. Write out insights and/pivots as they come.

Making 2024 Plans

Now, here is where it gets juicy.

Is it just me or when watching the above meme repeatedly, it becomes funny?

Back on track

Use your retrospection insights to shape your plans for 2024, look for common things across the year that point to goals or areas for personal growth.

Did you have friendships deepen in seasons when you focused on connecting with others? Did finances improve when you tracked spending more carefully month-to-month?

For me, my finances improved later this year when I joined a community, slowed down on certain things, and applied discipline. You bet I’m going to keep doing this in 2024.

Success leaves patterns, spot the patterns and carry them into the new year.

Then transfer key learnings into steps for growth like:

• Turn areas into concrete goals.

• Break intimidating goals down into small sized monthly actions.

• Prepare for roadblocks - is there something you can do now to prevent or manage them when they come?

• Think about 2023's toughest moments too - how can you prepare differently to get through them next year?

The Past Informs the Future

Retrospection will help you get wisdom from your experience. After all, they say experience is the best teacher. Don’t forget to celebrate yourself and how far you have come beause trust me, I’m sure you have done so well.

The past has prepared you to walk boldly into the unwritten days ahead.

What was your highlights of 2023? Would you like to share? Looking forward to reading through your love letter.

Love

Jescil “Retrospection” Richard

P.S you still love me, right?