For years, my family has had a New Year’s tradition of sharing our highlights of the previous year and goals for the next. We give it a lot of thought, make lists for each category, and then read them out loud to each other.
This has always been a rewarding and fun experience. Only recently, however, did I recognize just how valuable it can be. In particular, the exercise is a great way to practice gratitude and positivity.
Thinking back on events that have occurred fills me with gratitude for the people, places, and things that are part of my life. When I recall and acknowledge them, I can feel thankful all over again.
For example, one of my highlights was writing and publishing a self-help/memoir.
Another highlight was visiting my sons, who live in Los Angeles and Boston, and going to Acadia National Park. These were happy moments that I remember fondly.
I’m grateful that I was able to complete the book and take those trips, despite not always having stable health. And because all the highlights were moments of accomplishment and/or joy, I get a hefty dose of positivity simply by recalling them.
Oftentimes we forget about things we’ve experienced shortly after they’ve happened. Why not revisit them in a tangible way and bring back the joy, even if it’s for a brief time?
As for setting goals for the coming year, that’s a bit more uncertain. No one knows what the future will bring. Despite that, I think it’s a good idea to establish goals for ourselves and then set out to achieve them as best we can.
One of my goals for 2026 is to walk at least three miles per day. Another is to resume my hobby of painting landscapes. And yet another is to try writing short stores or a novel.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work toward achieving these goals. I’m attempting to begine this the journey with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
One other benefit of the highlights/goals exercise is that it enables
mindfulness—the practice of paying full attention to what’s happening in the present moment.
This might seem contradictory because examining highlights and goals requires looking back and looking ahead. But in fact, the very effort of creating the lists can be a great example of mindfulness, because it requires focus.
If you have a few minutes, think about jotting down your own goals and highlights and asking family members or friends to do the same and share them. It will be an exercise steeped in gratitude, positivity, and living in the moment.
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”—Melody Beattie
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