New Year's Resolutions? No! Retrospectives are more fun!
As we end this year of 2019, many of us sit by the fire (cue the snow falling outside of the window) and we set lofty goals or expectations for the New Year ahead. These are commonly called resolutions. Not that we are actually going to get them done, but we hope to have the "resolve" to talk about them a week into the new year.
In my family, the New Year's resolutions are offset by another wonderful ceremony, called the retrospective: or trying to figure out why things broke down and things did not get done. Resolutions are focused on abstract dreams which lack a concrete plan to get done, such as losing weight or going to the gym.
A retrospective looks at why you, with the limited resources available, simply couldn't get things done. Is it laziness? Is it apathy? Did a TV show grace the screen that you couldn't pull away from? With me, it's probably all three answers and sound like this:
Dear Self,
Your performance last year is best described as poor if not downright lazy. First, you're still fat. If you doubt what I am saying, then check a mirror. Look at the gelatin figure standing back at you. Didn't you say that last year was going to be different? Well, it wasn't. Try again.
This year one of your goals was to spend more time with friends. Just because you use social media doesn't count as spending time with friends. Let me explain. No one cares what you had for dinner last night so please stop posting those photos. People do not care about witty statements shoved into 160 characters. Anyone can write an email, but when was the last time you actually put some actual effort into a friendship by sending a card or writing a letter. Seriously, put some effort into your friendships, before all your friends forget your name.
There are so many things I can pack into this retrospective, but chose not to, so I can get this wrapped up by the end of the year.
Thanks,
Self
Bottom line: you can't move forward until you know where you have been. Does it help in crafting new resolutions? Sure. Knowing why you didn't succeed last time will allow you to be realistic with your goals and resource them properly, ensuring that your goals can be completed in the new year.
