At the close of 2025, we might have looked back on the year and considered what went well and what could have gone better. We might have decided on some changes that needed to be made, set some goals, created new expectations, and looked to January as a fresh start for ourselves in our personal and professional lives.
As we approach the close of January, our mindset might be a little different. Tasks have started to build, new commitments have been made, unexpected pressures have emerged, and the balancing act of life has returned. We are busy. Being busy can sometimes make it difficult to maintain focus and keep hold of the insights gained in our end of year reflections. We might fall back into our usual ways of doing things – sometimes this is ok, and it works well, but sometimes this can feel disappointing and frustrating.
It often takes something significant, like the end of a year, to nudge us into a more reflective space. But is it possible to create time to pause and reflect throughout the yearinstead? Not only pausing to relax, but pausing to think and feel, to look closer and be curious about ourselves and our professional practice.
Reflecting on practice is a process that can be worked through with care and clear intention. When done well and fully, it enables greater insight and awareness, which leads to development and growth. The more we do it, the better at it we become. It can be achieved through self-reflection, conversations with friends or colleagues, or within a regular facilitated reflective practice group.
When a reflective approach is consistent, we have greater compassion for ourselves and others. We also find ourselves feeling less busy, as we operate more efficiently and effectively. We understand what we are doing and why we are doing it, and this will apply to all months of the year.