Why You Need to Try A Mid-Year Review

It’s never too late to look back at the past six months and evaluate what worked and what didn’t. 

In January, I did my first year-end review and learned so much about myself and what I want for my life this year….

And I truly believe that we can constantly reset, review, revamp, and refresh our lives as often as needed – yearly, seasonally, monthly, weekly, or even daily! 

It’s all about taking control, being aware, and, most importantly, being intentional.

So, where do you start?

Getting Started with a Mid-Year Review

Honestly, I can’t believe it’s already July, and we’re mid-way through the year! And it’s only going to start moving faster… so there’s no better time to evaluate where you’ve been in 2023 and where you’re going…. 

Get Specific

When it comes to reviewing and setting new goals for the year, I’ve learned we need to be specific with ourselves. For example, I need to pinpoint when I was doing well and when I wasn’t over the last six months… 

How long did I manage to keep up a habit or goal before giving up?

I recently came across Muchelle B, (a YouTuber I highly recommend following!) And she suggests checking social media (our personal highlight reels!) to reflect and see what we’ve accomplished and to take note of the times we felt the happiest and most fulfilled.

So, go for a scroll… like right now, go ahead! 

Now I don’t have to go into the importance of SMART goals or how to set new guideposts for your life, but being specific on WHAT you are setting out to achieve and HOW you plan to get there will be the keys to success….

When it comes to reviewing and resetting every six months (or yearly or monthly), it’s important to be realistic. 

Remember, failure is a part of the process! 

Acquiring a new habit or achieving a goal doesn’t happen without setbacks. That’s just the way it is.  So be kind to yourself … I know I’m working on that too 😉 

However, remember, we should be adaptable. When things don’t work out, I need to ask myself why. 

Was it my fault? 

Did I approach it the wrong way? 

Did I give up too soon? 

Maybe it just wasn’t the right goal or habit for me on a personal and authentic level. Or maybe I just got lazy and distracted? 

Recognize failure for what it truly is: something inevitable, fixable, and a chance for redirection.  

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” —Robert H. Schuller

Set Goals

At the start of the year, we set goals, but here’s the thing: we’re not fixed beings. Just because we set a goal doesn’t mean we have to achieve it, right? 

We can pivot, adjust and redirect at any time

So, ask yourself these questions:

Are my goals still relevant? Is there something new and exciting calling me?

Am I making progress toward each goal?

If progress on a specific goal has stalled, why is that? 

What can I do to give it more attention? 

Or should I ditch it altogether?

It’s time to refresh those goals, my friend. Let go of the ones that don’t seem relevant anymore. Trust me, updated goals can re-inspire and re-motivate you. Before you know it, you’ll be more comfortable in your own skin and ready to take on the new challenge.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish”

Check Your Environment 

When it comes to your physical environment, it plays a significant role in your emotional and mental well-being. Creating the right environment can boost your focus and productivity and even save you time and energy.

We all have different preferences. Some of us find comfort in a cozy space filled with cherished belongings, while others prefer a calm and Zen-like atmosphere.

There is no right or wrong way, as long as you know what works best for you and make adjustments to your home and workspace accordingly.

For example, Paul and I just got a new chair, rug, and throw pillows for our living room – it looks super sleek, clean, and refreshing with its facelift.  Now, every time I walk into this room, I feel a sense of calm….

Ask yourself:

Do I genuinely enjoy my physical environment?

Does it support me or hinder my productivity?

Has clutter taken over my space?

Making the right changes to your environment can certainly enhance your mood and overall well-being.

For instance, you may simply want to add some colorful new pillows to your couch or create designated spots for important items like keys, eyeglasses, or thumb drives to avoid losing them constantly. If clutter is your main frustration, you can start by decluttering one important area, such as your physical desktop, spice rack, or medicine cabinet.  

Remember, you don’t have to stress and try to overhaul your entire house in one go. Just focus on a few impactful ways to declutter and make smart changes that will significantly improve your comfort level, whether at home or work.

Spirituality 

Spirituality and faith play a crucial role in our lives, and often, we claim to hold them at the highest rank of importance. However, as we conduct a mid-year review of our lives, it becomes apparent that our calendars and behaviors sometimes tell a different story. 

The pursuit of change, progress, and productivity at the beginning of the year may lead us to set noble goals, including spiritual growth and a deeper connection with our faith. Yet, as time passes, the fast-paced and digitally entangled nature of modern life tends to distract us. 

So, how can you nurture this inner wisdom to make clarity a regular occurrence rather than an occasional guest?

Ask yourself:

Do I dedicate regular quiet time to nurture my spirit?

When facing challenges, do I turn inward or seek external answers?

Do I require a longer break to rejuvenate my spirit?

Reflecting on the trials and triumphs of the past year, it becomes clear that spirituality and faith are not separate from our overall well-being but rather essential parts of it. 

To truly evaluate our progress, it is important to consider not only our personal and professional accomplishments but also our spiritual growth. 

A Beautiful Mind 

Take a moment to reflect on your mind. How do you usually feel – calm and grounded or scattered and stressed? Identify any mental stories that may hinder your progress and work on strategies to overcome them.

Consider where you invest your time and attention. Are you prioritizing activities that truly align with your values? For me, I did an exercise that helped me hone in on my values – and now, for every decision I make, I reflect back to these: 

1. God & Spirituality 
2. Paul/Family/Friend Connection
3. Health/Well-Being/Self-care
4. Work & Hobbies
5. Chores & errands

For example, just recently, I canceled my hair appointment in lieu of lunch with a dear friend who I don’t see very often…. Friends & Connection are high on my list! (Chores & Errands are last….)

You might have a completely different set of values – but the important thing is that you set them and stick to it. 

A Heart of Gold

When we indulge in intense negative emotions, everything else can begin to unravel…. It becomes a vicious downward spiral! 

Go ahead and cut out negative self-talk and seek stress management techniques if you frequently feel overwhelmed.

Seething with anger, drowning in guilt, and comparing ourselves to others often leads to hours, even days, of pain. (Unfortunately, I know this first-hand…)

But with self-awareness, we can transform our emotions and prevent them from hindering our lives.

Remember, your mind is adaptable. You have the power to shape it according to your desires and values. Make sure those desires and values are inspired by the heart, not just your head.

Having a heart of gold is not only important in managing our feelings; it can be a great source of strength to move forward with life goals and reach for our dreams. When we nurture our inner light—and prioritize loving ourselves—we can create lasting peace and happiness.

Let’s take care of our hearts. Regularly checking in is crucial.

Ask yourself:

How is my heart doing?

Is there any emotional baggage I need to address?

Are there any boundaries to set or unsaid words I need to express?

Just like we shape our thoughts, we can learn to shape our emotional well-being too. Clear out that emotional baggage and watch your heart soar.

Healthy Body 

If there’s anything I’ve learned over the last few years, it’s that you don’t have ANYTHING if you don’t have your health…

I know now that taking care of my physical body is crucial in order to have the energy to create the life I want. 

I need to prioritize good health and avoid neglecting my body while pursuing other goals – even if that is in the healthy halo of Ironman training.  😉 

It’s important to realize the harm caused by burning the midnight oil and the negative impact it has on my well-being!

I ask myself:

Am I getting enough quality sleep?

Do my food habits provide me with energy or deplete it?

Does my exercise routine include both aerobic and strength training exercises, meeting the recommended weekly requirements?

I know now that I need to focus on the various other ways I can take care of my health, such as eating a healthy animal-based diet, scheduling annual physicals, and taking breaks to stand up every hour.

Above all, it’s vital to eliminate negative habits that drain my energy and potentially harm my health – like falling into another burnout state!

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live in.” — Jim Rohn

The Wrap–Mid–Year Review

As we find ourselves at the midway point of the year, taking the time to reflect on our progress, achievements, and setbacks allows us to regain focus and make necessary adjustments for the future. 

As we prioritize our spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being, we can ensure that our heart and mind are aligned with our values and aspirations, fostering lasting peace and happiness. 

Embracing the reflective season as an opportunity to create the life we desire, we gain clarity, refocus our efforts, and nurture our inner wisdom to make positive changes.