Before diving headfirst into resolutions and goals for the upcoming year, it’s crucial to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. Otherwise, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks—and no one has time for that kind of chaos! After all, who you were at the start of last year might be entirely different from who you are now. Growth and change are constants, and taking time to rediscover yourself can help set more meaningful and aligned intentions for the year ahead.
This week, in between the holiday clean up and binge watching that show (again), I encourage you to carve out some downtime to explore who you’ve become. Only if you have space for that, if you are in a super intensive time at work/home then save this for another week or two when schedules rebalance. Reflection and introspection are powerful tools for personal growth but only when you have appropriate time to digest them. By refocusing your mind on the aspects of your life and nurturing self-awareness, you’re setting the stage for a more fulfilling year. Research supports this: enhancing our self-understanding and identifying our core values can empower us to filter out distractions and focus on what truly matters (Wood, 2013, The lost art of introspection: Why you must master yourself.).
Tools for Self-Discovery
Self-discovery doesn’t have to be a chore; in fact, it can be fascinating and even fun! Think of it like unearthing a treasure chest of quirks and traits—like discovering through a personality test that you’re an extroverted introvert who thrives on organizing spice racks for fun. Who knew?! Here are some of my favorite ways to dive deeper into understanding yourself:
1. Personality Tests
I love personality tests because they offer a structured way to explore who you are. The 16 Personalities test is a fantastic (and free!) version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator that categorizes people into one of 16 personality types. It’s an eye-opening way to see how you process information, make decisions, and interact with the world. For those looking to invest more deeply, I’ve enjoyed taking the DISC Assessment, Blind Spot Assessment, and Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EIQ) tests, especially during leadership training through my company. These tools provide valuable insights into communication styles, emotional intelligence, and areas of strength or growth.
2. Astrology
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, exploring your natal chart can be a fascinating exercise. And let’s be real—who doesn’t secretly love hearing they’re destined for greatness? Even the biggest skeptics can’t resist a good cosmic compliment! A natal chart maps the positions of celestial bodies at the time of your birth and offers a snapshot of your potential personality traits and life themes. Even if astrology isn’t your thing, reading about your chart can prompt some interesting reflections. Co-Star has a free version of your natal chart and dissects it nicely for most to wrap their head around - but there are other freee sites out there so explore a bit. If you find yourself intrigued, consider treating yourself to an in-person natal chart reading for your next birthday. But a heads up, some of this can be overwhelming if you are new to the field. So don’t let the jargon get you down and take what can from any free versions before you invest more - there are also tons of books and podcasts if you want to go on your own deep dive!
3. Life Path Number
If you’re a fan of numbers, numerology might be your jam. By adding up the digits of your birthdate, you can uncover your “life path number,” which is said to reveal your core purpose and personality traits. It’s a simple yet engaging way to explore patterns and meanings in your life. Numerology.com is a great free resource with lots of other number related insights that you can check out, including Angel Numbers, Name Numbers and even number of the day!
4. Tarot
Much like astrology, you don't have to believe in Tarot but it's always an interesting read. I don’t see Tarot isn’t about predicting the future but rather about exploring themes and archetypes that resonate with your current life situation. Each card offers wisdom and insight—you also have free will and do not have to take anything from a reading - and there are lots of different interpretations that might be a little traumatizing. I love my tarot teacher, Lindsay Mack, who teaches Tarot from a place of quiet observance full of comfort and compassion. And, like numerology, many people calculate the “card of the year” by summing up the digits of the current year and linking it to a Major Arcana card. If you’re curious, check out this fantastic podcast that touches on the Hermit, the card for 2025 or consider purchasing a downloadable guide for a deeper dive from Lindsay here called The Threshold.
5. Journaling
Writing down your thoughts is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to connect with your inner self. Plus, there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon an old journal entry and realizing your "angsty poetry phase" was both tragic and hilarious. Journaling is messy, raw, and oh-so-human—embrace it! You don’t need to be a consistent journalist to benefit from this practice. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
What worries me most about the future?
If this were the last day of my life, would I have the same plans for today?
What am I holding on to that I need to let go of?
What small act of kindness was I once shown that I will never forget?
When did I last push the boundaries of my comfort zone?
Journaling allows you to capture your thoughts, fears, dreams, and aspirations, giving you a clearer picture of who you are and where you’re headed.
Questions for Daily Reflection
If journaling feels daunting, start small. These 5 questions (William, n.d.) are perfect for quick, daily reflections:
Who am I, really?
What matters most in my life?
Have I made someone smile today?
What do I need to change about myself?
To what degree have I actually controlled the course of my life?
Pick a question each day and let your thoughts flow, but also no pressure if you have a lot on your plate. Either way, you might be surprised by what you discover about yourself.
Closing Thoughts
Self-discovery is a gift you give to yourself, it may be a little messy but lean into it, embrace your authentic self and have fun! It’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and gain clarity about what truly matters to you. By understanding who you are today, you can set more intentional goals for tomorrow and have some guidance for making decisions/boundaries in the year ahead. As you embark on this journey, remember: self-discovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Here’s to a year of growth, curiosity, and fulfillment!
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