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The Power of Shift: Reflecting on the Year's Unexpected Turns

  • Writer: Shyla Mathews
    Shyla Mathews
  • Dec 31, 2024
  • 3 min read

In my last blog, I shared how the Power of Shift resonated with me, and I provided examples of how I integrated it into my coaching practice.


As the year comes to a close, there's a familiar buzz in the air—a mixture of celebration, bittersweet emotions and perhaps, a touch of apprehension. We're often surrounded by reflections on how our year fared, and it's unsurprising to feel the weight of unmet goals, unfinished plans, or moments we wished had gone differently.


The former "Perfectionist Shyla" would sit in judgment of her year gone by.

This used to be a tough time for me. I'd sit with my list of goals and feel the sharp sting of what I didn't accomplish, letting the idea of "falling short" cloud everything I did achieve. But I've realised something important: reflection isn't about judgment. It's about growth.


And growth often begins with shift.


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The Year Life Asked Us to Shift


We all start the year with plans—big, bold intentions that we would like to align with who we think we'll be by the time the year ends. But life has a way of surprising us. Maybe it was a health challenge that slowed your pace. Perhaps a relationship changed, altering the course of your priorities. Or a relocation, or personal or financial difficulties. Maybe you simply realised that some goals did not align with the person you were becoming.


What I am learning is that these shifts aren't signs of failure. They're invitations.


It's not because we lack discipline or drive when a goal isn't met. Sometimes, it's because the goal needed to evolve with us. Sometimes, life whispers, "Not yet." And sometimes, it shouts, "This no longer fits."


James Clear's Atomic Habits is one of the books that helped with my shift.


"You don't have to be the victim of your environment. You can also be its architect."


For me, this year brought unexpected twists. There were moments when I had to let go of what I thought I "should" be doing and instead lean into what felt right. And while it wasn't always easy, I've found that these shifts often lead to clarity, resilience, and joy.

 

Shifting with Grace


So, how can we shift our perspective as we reflect on the year? Here are some ways I've been approaching my year-end reflections:


1. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

It's tempting to measure the year by what we didn't accomplish, but what about the things we did? The little wins? The quiet moments of courage? Sometimes, growth looks like a step forward—or even the decision to try again tomorrow.


2. Revisit Your Goals with Curiosity

Instead of seeing unmet goals as failures, ask yourself Why does this goal matter to me? Does it still align with my values? Sometimes, our goal in January doesn't fit the person we've become in December. And that's okay.


3. Acknowledge the Unexpected

What did this year teach you that you didn't expect to learn? Maybe it was patience during a challenging season or discovering new ways to care for yourself. Growth often hides in the moments we didn't plan for.


4. Embrace the Power of Pause

Not every year has to be about big leaps forward. Sometimes, the most crucial shift we can make is learning to pause—to rest, reflect, and prepare for the next chapter.


Looking Ahead with Kindness


As we enter a new year, I want to hold on to this idea: growth isn't a straight line. It's a dance of progress and pause, success and surrender. The power of shift reminds us that it's okay to change our minds, our plans, and even our paths.


So, if you're looking back and feeling the weight of unmet goals, take a deep breath. You're not behind. You're exactly where you need to be.


And as you look ahead, give yourself the grace to shift when life asks you to. Sometimes, in those unexpected turns, we discover the most authentic versions of ourselves.


Here's to a year of learning, shifting, and growing—at your own pace, in your own time.


Wishing everyone a Peaceful 2025


My Best,

Shyla


 
 
 

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