Leverage the Winter Solstice to Set Intentions of Growth
Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash
As we approach the end of 2023, many of us find ourselves amid a familiar cycle—reflection on the past and planning for the future. It's easy for life's distractions to lull us off course, and for some, this process can feel overwhelmingly daunting. At Upward & Inward, we invite you to embrace this year-end ritual in a new light, releasing the constraints of typical goal-setting and instead, charting a path toward a more aligned and fulfilling life. What would you like to call into the fresh space created in this process?
In this article, we will guide you through:
Approaching Self-Reflection and Future Planning: Learn practical steps to navigate the process of introspection and planning with clarity and purpose.
Discovering Your Holistic Self: Explore what truly matters to you as a whole person, not just a collection of goals and ambitions.
Moving Forward with Intention and Aligned Action: We'll help you bridge the gap between reflection and action, so your aspirations become a reality.
Overcoming Overwhelm: Say goodbye to the stress and anxiety associated with this process, and welcome a sense of tranquility and empowerment.
Let's face it; it's all too easy to let the holiday season's hectic pace sweep us away, leaving no room for personal intention. Today, on the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—a day marked by the least daylight and most darkness—let us embrace the symbolism of the sun standing still. Just as generations before us celebrated the return of the sun as a rebirth, let's use this moment of transformation and renewal to create space and time between self-reflection and future planning, so we can move forward with purpose.
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
Brené Brown (2012). “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead”
We have developed a unique process for achieving growth through introspection and aligned action. We're excited to share a few tips and approaches with that spirit in mind.
Pause
Yes, you read that right—pause! You now have permission to pause, because we know that the pause is where your power lies. Here's how to make the most of it:
Block out dedicated time on your calendar and treat it as sacred.
Silence distractions; put your phone on airplane mode, turn off Slack, email, and all other notifications. Communicate your need for uninterrupted reflection time to family and coworkers.
Set the mood with calming music or, if it suits you, engage in physical activity or meditation beforehand to clear your mind.
Picture a snow globe. Shaken up, it resembles our lives and all the moving pieces, the rich vibrance and novelty. Let it settle. And for a moment, we may gather ourselves.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Remember, let go of rigid expectations. Holding onto them too tightly can create stress and hinder your ability to appreciate the present moment fully, and see opportunities. Consider labeling your desires as preferences rather than strict expectations. Set the intention: Remind yourself that this time is for reflection without an agenda.
Detach/Observe
Next, detach from the constant stream of thoughts running through your mind. We often get trapped in the "meaning-making" machine inside our heads. Instead, become aware of your bodily sensations. Notice how thoughts come and go, and observe how your body reacts—do you feel tension in your stomach, warmth in your heart, or tightness in your throat? Simply note your observations without judgment.
If possible, engage in a presencing exercise. Become aware of your breath, the sensation of your feet on the ground, the air against your skin, or the colors in your surroundings. Loosen your grip, letting go of the illusion of control, and then focus on observation with curiosity. Set the intention: "I am grounded and open—observing whatever arises."
Self-Awareness
Now, take stock of your current habits and routines. Identify what might be holding you back and create your "stop-doing list". Sometimes, subtracting harmful habits or the laundry list of tasks is more effective and liberating than adding new ones. As you assess your character and behavior, also acknowledge your moods, emotions, and feelings. These are like passing weather—temporary and not your core identity. They can influence your actions if left unchecked.
Consider your fears, desires, and values. Ask yourself powerful questions.
As your core values come to the surface, become curious. Take on the perspective of a beginner’s mind. Experiment with these values in your everyday life and assess how they align with different aspects of your life. Dive deep and explore what lies beneath the surface. Are these your values or were they “given” to you at some point?
Choose
Now that you've gained insights and clarity, it's time to make choices based on your newfound self-awareness and values. This is a powerful step, yet is often overlooked. You step into your agency with this moment of decision. Because after all, you don’t have to do anything. It is an equally powerful exercise to gather clarity and insights around potential goals or future action and then intentionally choose not to act. Perhaps it’s out of integrity or the other competing values win out in this case. Whatever the reasoning, it is yours and now you know it in your head, heart, and gut.
Act
Finally, for those pursuits you deem worthy, take purposeful actions that align with your chosen path. Your journey toward growth and impact begins with these intentional steps.
Incorporating these principles into your year-end reflection can transform it into a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth. Embrace the pause, observe without judgment, and make choices that align with your authentic self and values. As you act on your intentions, you'll move toward a more purposeful and impactful life, guided by Upward & Inward's commitment to helping you achieve growth through introspection and aligned action.
Thrive on!
P.S. If you would like a partner and guide in your personal and professional growth, as an individual or your team, I invite you to connect. To learn more, please check out Upward & Inward.