New Year's Resolution 101: How to Reflect on the Year That Was

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It's the countdown to the last couple of days before the New Year ushers itself in, and it's the perfect time to slow down and reflect on what 2015 has brought about. Here are some tips on how to evaluate the past 12 months and head off to an even better 2016.

1. Make a year in review and highlight the valuable lessons you learned throughout the last 12 months. By looking back, you can create an attitude of gratitude that is a good habit to keep throughout the years. Greatist reports that according to meditation expert and teacher at MNDFL New York, "Looking back on the year is not about beating yourself up and seeing what you need to do better. It’s about rejoicing."

"We tend to spend a lot of time and attention watering the weeds," Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation, explained. "And then we’re growing the weeds. So this is a moment to water the flowers and pay attention to those."

2. Commit to journaling (if you haven't mastered it yet), or document bits and pieces of your life through words and photos. As the year comes to a close, write down at least one accomplishment from every area of your life, including family, friends, community, relationships (romantic and otherwise), self, spiritual, financial, etc. Keep this list in mind when you journal and set new goals for the coming year.

3. Focus on prosperity. According to Lifehack, reflecting on one's prosperity can help you view your life's progression throughout the last year. Reflect on your material prosperity (were you able to achieve your goal of buying a new car or phone or any material goal you had this year?), spiritual prosperity (do you feel that your faith has deepened throughout this year?), physical prosperity (are you in better shape now than you were when the year started? Were there any health issues or setbacks encountered within the last 12 months?), and social prosperity (how are your relationships? Did you gain new friends this year? Did you burn any bridges? Did you mend any broken relationships?). Focus on the good things and be filled with gratitude for the prosperous year you have had.

4. Open yourself up to deeper and a whole experience of reflection. Founders of WisdomAtWork.com, Joel and Michelle Levey wrote on Huffington Post a contemplative practice to help "discover dynamic balance within your whole life." This involves recognizing the four directions and creating balance. According to the Leveys, "Use the basic truth of the natural cycle to organize your attention and focus your thinking and expand and refresh your perspective."

5. Set goals for the New Year. Medscape reports that acording to Ronald M. Epstein, "Reflection and self-awareness help physicians to examine belief systems and values, deal with strong feelings, make difficult decisions and resolve interpersonal conflict." Writing down your goals can help you evaluate come the end of the New Year.