December 29, 2021

🤔 who gets the best version of you?

It's the end of the year. I invite you to reflect.

I created this journaling prompt after seeing a Tweet about how “work gets the best version of you.”

1. What is the best version of me?
   e.g., I pay attention, I don’t take things too seriously, I set clear expectations

2. Who do I currently give it to?
   e.g., my job and coworkers, my children

3. Who do I want to give it to instead?
   e.g., my new woodworking hobby

4. What would this change look like? What specific things would the best version of me do for them?

I like that this isn’t framed around achieving specific goals — which often just adds more to my plate without proper rebalancing, and can trigger a nasty fear of failure or pressure to achieve. Rather, these questions help me focus on my most positive attributes, and frames any changes as simply redirecting my energy… which sounds a lot easier! (Of course, ymmv.)

This prompt has sparked my most fruitful journaling session in recent memory. As a result, I restructured my days to prioritize my independent creative practice (writing, and whatever else), and started some new rituals of being a more active, positive presence in my family's lives.

If you end up trying this prompt and feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear about how it worked for you.

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The newsletter included a Year in Review, which is redacted from the online archive.