We are welcoming in a new year, 2024 is here! It contains 365 opportunities to do good, learn and grow, and live authentically with integrity.
2024 brings us 365 days to touch people’s lives in the name of Jesus.
One of the best ways to maximize your life and ministry in this new year is to reflect on last year.
Reflection is good for the soul. Can you can get away for a quiet day or half day this week? Or perhaps simply go to your favorite coffee shop for a couple hours to think about last year to gain insights and inspiration for this year.
If quiet reflection is not motivating for you, try it verbally with your spouse or a close friend. The key is to make it enjoyable, not a chore.
Regardless of your wiring, personality, or the amount of time you have for this, investing quality think time to process 2023 will position you for a substantially better 2024.
Reflection is good for the soul, but is even better if you act on it.
There are three keys to getting the most out of this process.
Be Honest
Be honest with yourself. If you are courageous, ask a close and trusted friend to “test” your reflections. But, short of that, being authentic with yourself is essential. Don’t beat yourself up, but tell yourself the truth.
Express gratitude
The best disposition for this reflection is gratitude. If you begin by writing a quick list about all that you are thankful for specifically in 2023, the process will be more encouraging and productive.
Take action
If you want 2024 to be all it can be, take action. Do something. That’s the bottom line. Change and growth. How do you want to be different? Live differently? Lead better? You get to choose. My advice is not to make a list too long. That can be overwhelming. If you do make a long list, then prioritize it and start with a short list of the most important things first.
10 Personal Questions:
- Allow these questions to serve you as a guide for reflection and identify areas you would choose for growth.
- You may want to focus on all of them, but I recommend no more three at time as you develop new habits and growth-oriented practices. Rotate your focus on them.
1) Did you make a new friend?
Simple enough right? Not always. Your life is busy, it’s full, and it’s difficult to find time to do all that you are currently responsible for. Where would you find time for a new friend? Yet one of the most valuable, enjoyable, growth-oriented, and life-giving things is found in meeting new people and making new friends. Are you where you want to be in this relational area?
2) Did you spend less than you made?
I hope that you did not endure a financial hardship this year that made this one impossible. If so, I pray this year is a fresh new start for you. Otherwise, we know the merit of this question and the wisdom of spending less than you make. The 10-10-80 method is still a great plan. Save 10% Give 10% and Live on 80%. What changes are needed?
3) Did you pray in a way that your heart is full?
This might be a tough question. But to start, I don’t mean it quantitatively. It’s not about how much you prayed, (though that can matter), but the results of your prayers. Did you pray in a way that you saw God move? Did your prayers draw you closer to God’s heart in 2023? Did you sense the power of the Holy Spirit at work? In what way would you like to see your prayer life become more powerful this year?
4) Did you take good care of your body?
Don’t stop reading now. I know this one may feel extra personal, but it’s just for you to consider. As someone who ate homemade chocolate chip cookies every night for some thirty years, I have my struggles here! But, it’s possible to eat smart and exercise regularly. Don’t pick a hard-core fad. Start simple. Celebrate your success, (not with a cookie.) And keep going. If you are beginning, even a brisk walk 3-5 times a week can be life changing!
5) Did you learn something new and specific about leadership?
Naming what you learned last year and in what specific way you are a better leader is vitally important. It’s possible to lead for an entire year, work hard, read books, listen to podcasts and not learn or practice something new as a leader. Set your sights high for 2024.
6) Did you love your family in a way they feel it?
It doesn’t matter if you are a thinking or feeling based person, (Myers Briggs), or if you are an introvert or extrovert, loving people in a way they receive it and feel it matters. The simple love language guide that Gary Chapman wrote years ago is still a great tool. The 5 are, words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, physical touch. Do you know which one matches those you love the most?
7) Did you forgive someone who hurt you?
As a pastor, I’m very aware of the hurts that people carry. I hear the stories and understand how hard it can be to forgive. And leaders are by no means exempt from this kind of pain. Nonetheless, the burden from lack of forgiveness is greater than the burden to find the grace to forgive genuinely. You may not be able to forgive fully in an instant, but you can start the process by acknowledging intent and desire to forgive. Then, if your heart is genuine, God will help you get there.
8) Did you finish that one big project?
This is one of the questions that I don’t have the response I would like. I had a writing project I wanted to complete last year, but I barely got it started. In addition to the writing goal, I’m focusing on a couple big new leadership development projects and finishing a couple projects at home from last year.
9) Did you focus on positive and forward-moving thoughts?
One of the most healthy and productive disciplines as a leader is staying focused on positive, pure and productive thoughts. It’s not as easy as it may seem. From difficult times in general to the fact that the enemy wants to cloud our minds with negative, self-defeating and sinful thoughts, it takes disciplined focus to remain consistently positive.
10) Did you hear God speak clearly to you?
We touched on this in question #3, but where it focused on prayer, this one centers on a specific element of prayer — hearing the voice of God. What was the most impacting thing you heard God say to you in 2023? What is the last thing you heard God say to you in 2023? How did they change you? Listening is core to this practice, followed by joyful obedience.
I hope these practical and personal questions help you have a fantastic New Year!
Actually, being Leap year, 2024 has 366 opportunities- a onus day and not just 365 as stated. Good questions. Thanks for sharing.
Hey John, I didn’t know that! Thanks for letting me know!!!
Blessings!
Thank you Dan for these helpful questions. I am passing these on to some other pastors, and I will take time this week to focus on them myself. All your postings are helpful and I thank you for your diligence in sending them out. Have a blessed 2024!
Hi Tom,
You are most welcome and thank you!
I’m glad you are passing them on to other pastors and I pray you find them encouraging and productive for you personally.
Dan Reiland,
Wishing you, your family and your team a Prosperous and fruitful year 2024.
Thank you for your consistency and dedication in sharing your invaluable experiences and insights over the years.
God bless you.
…………
Ultimately, life decisions are investment decisions. Whether the subject is time, talent or treasure, we’re continuously making decisions about what we’ll invest in.
Abimbola,
Thank you for the 2024 blessing!
And great comment you added!!
Good morning and thank you. I have not engaged in an exercise like this before, and have found it very thought provoking and engaging.
Having gone through this period of reflection. On the points I was unable to give a resounding yes to, or definite examples, I will revisit at key points in the year.
I will be sharing with my team.
God bless you as you continue the good work God has placed within you
You are most welcome Veronica and thank you for your comments!
Great questions for the New Year !
I going to redo some of them and use it for a staff lesson!!
James Greer
Hi James!!
It’s been a long time! Please use any or all that are helpful to you and your staff!!
Thanks for this life guide into the new year, 2024.
With these questions starting the year well is certain.
Shalom my brother.
Glad you find this helpful William!
Shalom.
Why people still make use of to read news papers
when in this technological world everything is presented on web?
Look into my web page … laundry Bags Qatar
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I believe that you ought to publish more on this issue,
it might not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t talk about such subjects.
To the next! Best wishes!!
It is actually a nice and helpful piece of info.
I am glad that you just shared this helpful info with
us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
What’s Going down i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this
I have discovered It positively useful and it has helped me out loads.
I am hoping to contribute & aid different users like its helped me.
Great job.
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism
or copyright violation? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all
over the web without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help stop content from
being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
If some one wishes expert view on the topic of running a
blog then i propose him/her to go to see this web site, Keep up the fastidious work.
Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I in finding It really useful & it helped me out a lot.
I hope to present one thing again and help others such as you
aided me.
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming again to read other news.
I am truly pleased to glance at this web site posts which consists of lots
of helpful facts, thanks for providing such statistics.
It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the long run and
it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this submit and if I
may I want to counsel you few attention-grabbing
issues or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to learn even more things approximately it!
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished
to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your weblog
posts. After all I will be subscribing on your rss feed and
I am hoping you write again very soon!
Hello there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out
and say I genuinely enjoy reading your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Appreciate it!
Hi to every single one, it’s genuinely a pleasant for me to pay
a quick visit this site, it includes helpful
Information.
You really make it appear so easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to
be actually one thing that I think I might never understand.
It sort of feels too complicated and extremely huge for me.
I am having a look ahead in your subsequent put up, I
will try to get the hold of it!
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this web site needs much more attention.
I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also make
comment due to this brilliant paragraph.
I don’t know whether it’s just me or if perhaps everyone
else experiencing issues with your website. It appears as
though some of the written text on your posts are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feedback and
let me know if this is happening to them as well? This may be a problem with my internet browser because I’ve
had this happen before. Thanks
We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Hello all, here every one is sharing such know-how,
thus it’s nice to read this web site, and
I used to pay a quick visit this website daily.
Yes! Finally someone writes about Hokicoy.
Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your
broadcast offered bright clear concept
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this
article. I want to read even more things about it!
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to
assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying
to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing
very good success. If you know of any please share.
Appreciate it!
I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and exposure!
Keep up the superb works guys I’ve included you guys to blogroll.
Heya! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers?
My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up
losing a few months of hard work due to no data backup.
Do you have any solutions to prevent hackers?
If some one wishes to be updated with newest technologies therefore he
must be go to see this site and be up to date daily.
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you
knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble
finding one? Thanks a lot!
My brother recommended I would possibly like this web site.
He used to be entirely right. This submit truly made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how so much time I had spent for
this info! Thank you!
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!
You’re so interesting! I do not believe I have read
a single thing like that before. So nice
to find someone with unique thoughts on this subject matter.
Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site
is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you
actually understand what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked.
Kindly also discuss with my website =). We can have a hyperlink trade arrangement among us
Coming across your website has been a pleasure. Packed with knowledgeable content and engaging commentary, which is a rarity these days.
value the effort you’ve put into your writing.
Your writing style is impressive. You offer a new perspective that is stimulated my interest.
I’m eager to seeing what you post next.
I simply couldn’t resist to leave a comment.
Your content resonate with me on a deeper level. If you’re planning on offering a newsletter, sign me up!
It would be a joy to have your insights sent
right to my inbox.
Your post struck a chord with me. Rarely do you find a blog that invites you to reflect.
I’m excited to see more of your work and encourage
you to keep writing.
Your article was an eye-opener. With an overwhelming amount of information online, it’s fantastic to read content that’s as enriching and entertaining
as yours. Please keep writing
This syntax provides a variety of options for creating a positive
and encouraging blog comment that compliments the author’s work and expresses
a desire to continue engaging with their content.
Every once in a while, I discover a blog that truly stands out because of its thought-provoking articles.
Yours is without a doubt one of those rare gems. The way you blend
your words is not just informative but also extremely captivating.
I applaud the dedication you show towards your craft
and eagerly anticipate your future posts.
Amidst the vastness of the online space, it feels rewarding to
come across a creator who puts considerable effort into their work.
Your posts not only offer useful information but
also provoke engaging discussions. You’ve gained a faithful follower
from this point forward.
Your blog has become a go-to resource for me, and I can’t help but check
it regularly for updates. Each post is like a tutorial in the
topic at hand, presented with eloquence and charm. Would you consider offering a subscription service
or a regular newsletter? I would be delighted to get more of your knowledge directly to my inbox
The unique angle you bring to issues is both refreshing and rare, it’s deeply needed in the modern digital landscape.
Your ability to break down complex concepts and offer them in a user-friendly way is
a talent that should never be underestimated.
I am excited for your next article and the discussions they’ll inspire.
Discovering a blog that serves both a cognitive challenge and a heartfelt conversation. Your posts do just that, offering
a harmonious blend of intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance.
The community you’re building here is proof to your influence and
expertise. I’m curious to see where you’ll take us next and I’m all in for the ride.
Upon spending numerous hours navigating the myriad corridors of the internet today, I
have to declare that your blog is like an oasis of insight.
Never before have I stumbled upon such a trove
of compelling ideas that resonate on a deep level. Your knack for shedding
light on complex subjects with grace and sharpness is worthy of admiration. I’m
enthusiastically waiting for your subsequent article, anticipating it will enhance my understanding even further.
In the current digital era, where content is plentiful, your blog shines as a bastion of
authenticity. It’s a joy to discover a corner of the
web that is dedicated to cultivating mindful learning.
Your eloquently written posts spark a yearning
for understanding that many of us long for. I would be honored
if there’s a way to subscribe for direct notifications, as I wouldn’t want to miss even one enlightening article.
Your blog is the epitome of what dedicated blogging can achieve.
Each entry you compose is laden with valuable takeaways and deep insights that keep me thinking long
after I’ve left the page. Your voice is a refreshing voice to the frequently crowded online world.
If you have an exclusive subscription, count me as an eager participant to join. Your writing is meriting sustaining.
I am coming back to your blog frequently, drawn by the caliber of discourse you initiate.
It’s clear that your blog isn’t just a platform for sharing concepts;
it’s a gathering for thinkers who seek meaningful engagement.
Your investment inOf course!
From the moment I started reading your blog, I knew it was something special.
Your talent to delve into complex topics and clarify them for your readers
is truly remarkable. Each entry you publish is a repository of insights, and I always find myself eager to see what you’ll uncover next.
Your dedication to high-quality content is apparent, and I trust that you’ll continue sharing
such invaluable perspectives.
Your posts serves as a beacon in the sometimes turbulent seas of online content.
Your comprehensive explorations into a multitude of subjects are not only informative but also immensely absorbing.
I appreciate the way you meld detailed study with
narrative storytelling, creating posts that are equally enlightening and engaging.
If there’s an opportunity to follow your blog or join a newsletter subscription, I
would be delighted to be notified of your latest musings.
As a fellow writer, I’m motivated by the enthusiasm you pour into each article.
You have a gift for making even the most esoteric topics comprehensible and fascinating.
The way you break down ideas and link them to broader
themes is incredibly skillful. Please tell me if you have any webinars or e-books in the works, as I would jump at the chance to gain further insight from your expertise.
It’s rare to find a blog that strikes the perfect chord with both intellect and emotion.
Your pieces are written with a level of insight that speaks to
the core of the human experience. Whenever I read your blog, I come away with
new knowledge and stimulated. I’m eager to know whether you intend to
When I began reading your blog, I knew it was something unique.
Your talent to dive into complex topics and unravel them for your audience is truly noteworthy.
Each article you share is a repository of information, and I constantly find myself eager to see what
you’ll explore next. Your dedication to excellence is evident, and I anticipate that you’ll persist sharing
such valuable insights.
Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any
better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
If some one needs expert view on the topic of blogging
and site-building then i recommend him/her to visit this weblog, Keep up the fastidious work.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful
and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid different users like its helped me.
Great job.
This is a topic that is near to my heart… Best wishes!
Exactly where are your contact details though?
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do believe that you need to publish more on this subject, it may not be a taboo subject but generally people don’t
talk about these subjects. To the next! Cheers!!
Hi! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us
so I came to give it a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to
my followers! Excellent blog and wonderful style and design.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new
scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You
have done a formidable job and our whole community will be grateful
to you.