Closing out the year - questions to reflect on 2023 and plan for 2024
What have you learned about yourself and your work as a system changer this year, and where will it take you next year?
It’s nearly the end of the year and I’m bouncing between zoomed in to-do list mode and zoomed out reflection mode. My Notes app is a hot mess!
2023 was a year of going deep and building stronger foundations in many areas of my life. We literally re-built our home this year and we’re finally feeling settled after a tricky process of finding our feet in Portugal. My closest relationships have been tested more than ever and transformed in profound and healthy ways. I’ve dedicated lots of time to solving long-standing health problems - I’ve been migraine-free for four months, which is nothing short of life-changing. Last but not least, I’ve followed my instincts and found the deepest sense of belonging I’ve ever had in my work. What a feeling!
I’ve learned about the power of taking space instead of trying harder, and how to turn loneliness into solitude. I’ve got better at avoiding ‘shoulds’ and nurturing glimmers of joy and purpose. With more space and more being instead of doing, I’ve been able to zoom out for the bigger picture and find deep, steady resolve. I’ll always remember this year as a time when I stripped everything right back, asked some difficult questions, and re-committed to myself and the life I want to lead.
Showing up here has been a treasured constant amidst so much change and transformation. Thank you for reading and being on this journey with me, I appreciate you! Other treasures included a beautiful winter spent in the Cotswolds, quality time and travel with precious friends, spending more time doing things I love like floristry and learning from brilliant minds, a sense of community love and support in Portugal, hosting family in our new home, and a couple of solo trips for deep work and reflection. It was a year of joy and love as well as change!
Looking ahead to 2024
Next year I’m excited to double down on my work at the intersection of personal growth and systemic change. I’m designing new and more impactful ways to support people through coaching and the writing and community building I do here on Substack. I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
Here are some questions I’m exploring behind the scenes:
How can I share more about what I mean by “the intersection of personal growth and systemic change”?
How can I make this support more accessible to people who are interested but not yet engaged in systems change work?
How can I create more value and build a greater sense of community for my clients and subscribers?
Who are the people I can connect with and learn from who work in this space, and how will I make this happen? Please say hi if that’s you!
How can I bring more of myself to my coaching and writing?
How can I be more ambitious about my business and the support I provide, whilst maintaining balance with everything else that’s important to me?
But first, REST! Tomorrow Khilen and I drive deeper into the Portuguese countryside, dogs in tow, for a few days filled with long walks, good food, and reading by the fire. I can’t wait.
As you wind down for the year and think ahead to the next, I thought you might appreciate some questions for reflection on your work and evolution as a system changer. I hope they’re helpful!
I have a couple of coaching spaces available starting in Jan/Feb. Find out more about my approach and enquire here if you’re looking for some support with your growth next year.
Thanks again for being here with me, and see you in 2024!
Gen
10 questions to reflect on 2023
Where have you focused your system changing efforts this year? (across all areas of your life)
System changers tend to have one foot in old systems and one foot in new systems. What’s that been like for you this year?
What are your top three lessons from creating systemic change this year?
What have you learned about yourself as a system changer this year?
In what ways have you suffered this year? How does reflecting on this connect you to suffering in the wider world? (Inspired by this conversation with Jo Confino)
What successes have you had creating systemic change this year? What are you celebrating?
What has brought you joy as a system changer this year?
Which single experience had the most profound impact on your work or outlook as a system changer this year?
What are you leaving behind in 2023 that no longer serves you?
Who were you at the beginning of 2023, and who are you now?
10 questions to plan 2024
What are you taking with you from 2023 into 2024?
What are your dreams for your role as a system changer in 2024?
Where will you be focusing your system changing efforts in 2024?
What do you need to learn more about?
What practices will help you to deepen self-awareness and mindfulness?
What needs to happen for you to take exquisite care of yourself in 2024?
How will you build and nurture community in 2024 to help create systemic change?
Who could you ask for help in 2024? Who can you give help to?
In what ways will you take action in 2024 to create the future you want?
What’s the one change that will have the biggest impact on your effectiveness and joy in 2024? (borrowed from Nathan Parcells)
ICYMI
Here are my three most popular posts from this year:
How I got started as a writer, built a writing practice I love and grew to 500 subscribers in a year
12 things everyone should know about coaching
Thanks for reading! Please introduce yourself, what you’re working on, and how this resource can be helpful to you on our introductions thread. With subscribers leading systemic change in human rights, venture capital, climate and sustainability, education, psychotherapy, healthcare, media, politics, art, farming, finance, housing and philanthropy and more, System Changers is a diverse community packed full of opportunities to connect and collaborate with others. Let’s get to know each other 🧡
Thank you for this! Definitely going to use some of these questions as a reflect and plan.
I'm resonating with lots of the things you're saying and really looking forward to following your work next year! I'm definitely in the process of recognising and shaking off some old patterns, mostly around inadequate boundary-setting. I'm frustrated at many of the cultural systems that are so harmful and so difficult to budge, and I'm keen to work more in this space too! Have a great Christmas.