Beyond the annual reflection: 6 achievements we should celebrate
As the year winds down, it's a perfect time to pause, rest, and reflect. Let's talk about the power of reflection and changing our measures of success.
As the year winds down, it's a perfect time to pause, rest, and reflect. Reflecting once a year is great, but I've found doing it more regularly really unlocks its power. John Dewey said it best:
“We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.”
So, why just reflect annually? That’s like running once a year and expecting to stay fit.
Reflect regularly, not just annually
For four years, I've concluded each year with 'Year Compass'. But the real game-changer was starting monthly reflections with my 'Sense and Respond' ritual. I tried reflecting weekly and daily with the ‘Five Minute Journal,’ but it was the monthly reflections that truly made the difference, especially after I opened them up to others.
The daily journal has been invaluable in fostering self-compassion and savouring the small, everyday moments. However, it's the monthly reflections that have really stood out, so much so that even my therapist noticed.
I've shifted to a more focused and intentional way of working, tuning into what I need rather than getting caught up in societal 'shoulds.’ These reflections have become a space to turn insights into action. Each month, I eagerly await the session, ready to connect and be inspired by others.
Redefine your measures of success – celebrate the unconventional
This year, let's redefine what success means to us, celebrating not just the typical milestones but also these often overlooked yet significant achievements:
Building for the long term: Take pride in laying solid foundations for the future, even if it means sacrificing immediate results and gratifications.
Gaining clarity: We often celebrate ‘doing’ more than ‘understanding.’ Yet, being in the messy phase with more questions than answers, though deeply uncomfortable, is where you carefully pick the next best step rather than going in circles with trial and error.
Embracing discomfort: Honour the moments when you stayed engaged during uncomfortable phases of growth and change.
Aligning with your values: Applaud yourself for decisions and sacrifices that align with your deeper values. Following the crowd is easy; going against the grain is hard.
Advocacy and speaking up: Celebrate your courage in speaking up for others, highlighting injustices, and using your voice for positive change.
Rest and care: Value the time spent on self-care and looking after those close to you. This kind of care, often more demanding than our usual tasks, is essential for our well-being and the health of our community.
These acts of courage, resilience, and authenticity are what you should measure and be proud of.
In a society heavily influenced by capitalist values, maintaining this perspective can be challenging. As you reflect on this year and plan for the next, think about what success really means to you. What achievements resonate with your values and aspirations?
Share them in the comments. 💬
Looking for a community to build your reflective practice? Sense & Response and other reflective rituals are part of the Nurture membership. Join us to build your business with intention. Or if you prefer going solo, that's perfectly fine.
The shortcut
Ready for intentional reflection? Here's how you can join in:
Year Compass: Access the free Year Compass. Opt to download or print the PDF. I recommend creating a separate file to paste the prompts and work through them over the course of a few days.
Sense & Respond Session: Join our final free session on December 29th to reflect on December and set your January intentions. It's an excellent opportunity to connect with the IMMA community.
Interesting opportunities for you
Together with Claudia we’ve been hand-picking 43 freelance opportunities from niche job boards to save you some time. That’s the most we found in a week since we started this newsletter 🎉
Research & Design
Service, visual and strategic designer, research & project management contract positions (US) - Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design
Mid-Level UI Designer - AimHi Earth
Brand Innovator & Graphic Designer - Artic Encounter
Graphic Designer - Earth Hero
Mid-Level UI Designer - AimHi Earth
Tech
Tech Sector Coordinator - Carbon Literacy
Senior Software Engineer - We Vote
Ops
Accounts Receivable Assistant - CZero Foods
Programme Consultants (UK) - National Lottery Heritage Fund
Producer (London) - Good Chance & Gecko
Administrator - VLACS
Administration & Event Support Coordinator - ICCA Consortium
Project Manager - We Vote
Onboarding Specialist - We Vote
Global Focal City Coordinator - WIEGO
Communication
AI Reporting Grants for Journalists - Pulitzer Center
Journalist - Awe Studio
Content & Production manger - Oak National Academy
Editor - Southern Voice
Video Editor - Carbon Literacy
Filmmaker/Video Editor - Nalafem
Social media manager and content producer -The Equality Institute
Communications Officer - Give Something Back to Berlin
Content Creator EU elections 2024 - The European Network Against Racism
Digital Marketing Manager - Center for Open Science
Product Marketing - We Vote
Newsletter Manager - We Vote
Head of Content - Pavegen
Communications Specialist - ASAP
Engagement
Climate Action Workshop Programme Manager (NZ) - Climate Club NZ
Associate Carbon Literacy Trainer - Positive Planet
Play Facilitator Consultant - Amnesty International
Community & Communications Manager - TWIST - Investing for Systems Change
Engagement and Coaching Manager - Campus Climate Network
Schools Outreach Educator - Alameda County Waste Management Authority
UN Agency Engagement Contractor - The Good Food Institute
Outdoor Educator - EverWild Forest
Sustainability experts
Other
Business Development Specialist EV Market - Elephantech
Occupational Therapy Assistant - Broad River Rehabilitation
Political Data Strategist - We Vote
Senior Measurement, Evaluating & Learning Manager- Climate-KIC
🙋♀️ A heads up: After spending hundreds of hours and sharing 486 opportunities in 2023, I feel it's time to value my time and effort. Therefore, I will share 10 weekly opportunities with free subscribers and reserve the full list for the members of our community. A great reason to apply!
Behind the Scenes at IMMA:
Co-Designing IMMA Memberships: Last week's co-design session was fantastic! We brainstormed ideas ranging from co-working sessions to tackle those pesky admin tasks, to openly discussing our pricing strategies. Excited to bring these ideas to life!
Founding Members Applications: The first round of applications for founding members closes on December 28th. Don't miss out on securing one of the last spots at a special rate. Apply now! Applications for February will open in January.
Grow Membership Expert Roster: We're curating a roster of experts for our Grow membership. Interested? Check out our call for experts.
Next week, I'll be taking a short break. But I'll leave you with some of the best newsletters from this year. Expect my usual update in your inbox on January 2nd, 2024.
Wishing you all happy holidays! 🎄
Lilli